Off to London to start our journey home! We'll be staying there for two nights and flying home Sunday. I'm happy to have been visiting such a lovely place, but I am really looking forward to getting home. It can't come fast enough.
At least we'll get to visit the museums again, this time with Dennis. That should be fantastic! :)
Friday, February 17, 2012
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Days 8, 9 and 10
Annastasia and I decided that Monday morning, we were going to go on an adventure. So, we took a train to Galway from Dublin. It was easy to get our train tickets, and we spent an hour or so in the station waiting for the train.
The trip took a little over two hours, and we saw some absolutely lovely countryside. We saw acre after acre of green fields, dotted with sheep... a lot of them newborns! So cute!!!!
We had no real plan for when we arrived in Galway, so we got off the train and just kind of stood around for a while in awe of our new surroundings. The town was lovely, a large central square surrounded by off streets filled with cool shops, hostels and inns. We walked around the corner from the train station and the first place we saw, we booked a room. The hostess told us that at 9:45 am, the Galway tour company would be by to collect us if we wanted to take a tour, no booking required! We dumped off our huge-ass purses that double as overnight bags (jesus, how can women carry these things as purses?!?!?) and went out and about town, walking up and down charming streets lined with pubs and shops. We had a late lunch/early dinner at a great placed called The Kings Head, and walked around some more. Finally, after giving some change to an amazing 'busker' (street musician/performer) turned in to the hotel for some TV and sleep.
Well, the hotel was rather... thin, and we could hear everything going on all around us, sneezing and coughing, laughing and bathrooms... and the night club next door with the bass and drum music till well after 2. To top it off, the fire alarm went off three seperate times during the night, due to someone smoking cigarettes in their room I am assuming.
We were in the lobby, cameras in hand at 9:45, just in time to be led to the bus where we paid 20 euros each to take the day tour.
In retrospect, the 20 euros was a steal, as the trip was worth about 10 times what we paid. Needless to say, it was amazing. The cliffs were breathtaking, and we both went beyond the "Do not enter" sign to the edge. Talk about terrifying. I felt like Annastasia could have been swept up by the wind at any moment, so I made us go back to the "safe" trail for photos and such.
It was so awe inspiring to see the Atlantic ocean beating up against the cliffs some 8 meters below us. That translates to aproximately 5 miles... 5 miles above the ocean looking straight down. It was breath taking.
The tour guide gave us some fun and interesting facts about a few other stops, such as the Poulnabrone Dolmen, a tomb some 5600 years old, and the Corcomroe Abbey, an old graveyard/church full of awesome tombs and stuff. All in all, the tour was about 8 hours, and it was utterly amazing.
We stayed the night at the hotel again, and thankfully, there was no 'disco' for us nor did the fire alarm go off. :)
Back on the train early next morning, and we arrived in Dublin at around noon.
The day was spent grooming and hanging out in the house, and we wrapped up the night with a great dinner at the inn's fantastic restaurant.
Tomorrow... TATTOO!!!
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Day 7 ( 8 and 9 too)
Ah Sunday. Nothing going on, no walking, no nothing. We have been hanging out in the drawing room, well, drawing. Anna and I will be taking the train to Galway tomorrow, and planning our trip to the Cliffs of Moher for Tuesday, and be back to the hotel and updating the blog on Wednesday. Maybe Tuesday night... I'm not sure yet. We're kind of playing it by ear right now, anything beyond getting to Galway and taking a tour someplace is up for discussion!
Looking forward to getting some photos of stuff and picking up a few souveniers for myself. I mean my friends. ;)
Looking forward to getting some photos of stuff and picking up a few souveniers for myself. I mean my friends. ;)
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Days 5 and 6
Day 5 ended late, around 3 am, so I decided to combine the events with todays' events. :)
Annastasia and I were on our own till around 5 yesterday as Dennis was working, so we ended up going into Dublin via taxi and walked around the shopping distict. We spent several hours walking and exploring, and probably covered 10 miles all together. We found a couple of cool shops and dresses but didn't end up buying anything, but we DID find a Subway, which made Anna very happy.
The highlight of the excursion, though, had to be the Trinity College and the Book of Kells. It was a beautiful work, and an amazing piece of history. The library was breath-taking. They didn't allow photographs, sadly, but I did pick up a postcard of a small alcove of the place.
The building was absolutely stunning. I felt dwarfed by the magnifigance of it all.
We got a taxi back to the house, and freshened up just in time to catch the Microsoft sponsored bus to a pub called Johnny Fox's. It was about 45 minutes travel time, high above Dublin. The city below was bright with lights, but ended very abruptly into blackness of the countryside. I was lamenting that our trip took place in the darkness, because I have feeling that the countryside view would have been amazing.
The pub... Wow. What can I say... It was built in the mid 1700's. It was exactly as one would imagine a real country Irish Pub, with all kinds of curiousities hanging on the walls, lit candle sticks on each table, and badly taxidermy, including a shadow box of two fox kits, who's eyes were grossly oversized for their little heads.
We were in the "Hooley" room, long plank tables with stools running each side, and our own bar. There was a fireplace with a stage in front of it, and Dennis was kind enough to snag our seats literally right next to the stage, as in my stool butted the stage. Dinner was fantastic, starting with a seafood chowder, followed up by a lamb Irish stew, followed up by whiskey bread cake stuff. It was hearty, filling, and delicious. Cider complimented dinner nicely, and Anna and I both had a couple of them.
After dinner dishes were cleared away by lovely ladies, we were treated to a rousing concert of traditional Irish music!!! They engaged the crowd, and everyone was soon worked up into a lively bunch, raising our glasses and swaying to and fro with the Dutch guys across the room from us. The band played for a good hour before having to take a break, when *someone* decided to invite me to take a shot of tequilla with him. 4 shots and an intermission later, the stage raised and we were treated to a very up close and personal preformance of Irish dancers!!! Lovely ladies, and handsome gents whirled and stomped and spun with such verocity it was difficult to sit still!!! Then it came to the time in the show where the dancers pick some of the audince members to engage them in the performace, by dragging them up to the stage to give it a 'whirl' as it were. The boys came into the crowd to pick partners, and in addition to one of the companions of the Dutch guys, Anna was swept up on to the stage to dance around. She did well, and as hard as I tried, I could not get a good photo of her spinning around. The boys' dance over, the girls came out and did the same thing, grabbing two guys from the crowd, and of course, Dennis went up on stage and danced around. It was pretty funny because he is such a showman, mimicking the dancers almost as if he knew what the hell he was doing. I am pretty sure that one of his co-workers took a video, and if I get a copy of that, it's going on facebook!!!!
What a great time. Dancing, singing, Dutch guys who were very animated and happy... I introduced myself after them and thanked them for being such a great addition to the evening, and they made sure to tell me how much they loved President Obama. :)
We ended up back at the house at around 1:30 or so, and back to the bar. A family was here celebrating someone's 40th birthday, and in very typical Irish hospitality, we were soon merged with the group, sharing songs and drinks.
The whole scene reminded me of The Hobbit, with songs followed by cheers and clapping. One of Dennis' co-workers who lives in Dublin explained to us the prestige of actually leading a sing along, how one must "pray attend the bard" during the preformance, as they have earned the right to sing by some right of passage that I don't quite understand. And as much an outsider that I am, I felt completely welcome and involved in the whole thing. It was very romantic and I was quite taken with the entire situation.
We finally came to bed after 3:30, and woke up next morning at 9. Breakfast was taken in the dining room, and we said good bye to all the folks who were leaving today.
After breakfast, we took a taxi back into town for some tattoo adventures. I ended up having to schedule an actual appointment, for Thursday. So we took the opportunity to walk another 10 miles (I'm sure that is an exaggeration but my feet don't think so) and visit the Dublin Historical Museum. It was great, and really shed some light on the 1916 uprising and the ensuing revolt that lasted till the mid 1920's and resulted in Ireland's independance from the British. It was very illuminating and educational, and I have a greater appriciation for the nationalism that these people have.
We stopped into a very small pastry shop that our nose found before our eyes did... and I had the most amazing epucurian experience that I have ever had. The place was tiny, as I mentioned, and the man behind the counter was kind of hard to understand with his thick accent. I asked for a pastry filled with mozerella cheese, spinich and olives, and was presented with the most beautiful golden puffed crescent of goodness I have ever seen. It was perfect in every way, from the flaky and chewy pastry, to the salty savory goodness inside. Each bite was honestly, pure heaven. As if that wasn't enough, I followed up with an almond biscuit dusted with powdered sugar, and a dopio espresso. Perfect consistancy and crunch, the biscuit was not too sweet and complimented the coffee with harmony that couldn't have been composed any better. The place was fabulous, and I will return before I leave this place.
We ended up walking round the city, stopping in shops from time to time. We stumbled upon a flea market, where Anna picked up a couple of cute dresses for herself and I found a cute little pin for Sophy. Live music was on almost each block, including a drum circle at the "Occupy" camp. I am assuming that's where all of the "alternative" kids hang out, since that's the only place I've seen any of that style dress!!!
Out of exhaustion, we decided to grab a taxi back to the house, and are going to go to dinner soon so Dennis can come back to the room and pass out. :)
Annastasia and I were on our own till around 5 yesterday as Dennis was working, so we ended up going into Dublin via taxi and walked around the shopping distict. We spent several hours walking and exploring, and probably covered 10 miles all together. We found a couple of cool shops and dresses but didn't end up buying anything, but we DID find a Subway, which made Anna very happy.
The highlight of the excursion, though, had to be the Trinity College and the Book of Kells. It was a beautiful work, and an amazing piece of history. The library was breath-taking. They didn't allow photographs, sadly, but I did pick up a postcard of a small alcove of the place.
The building was absolutely stunning. I felt dwarfed by the magnifigance of it all.
We got a taxi back to the house, and freshened up just in time to catch the Microsoft sponsored bus to a pub called Johnny Fox's. It was about 45 minutes travel time, high above Dublin. The city below was bright with lights, but ended very abruptly into blackness of the countryside. I was lamenting that our trip took place in the darkness, because I have feeling that the countryside view would have been amazing.
The pub... Wow. What can I say... It was built in the mid 1700's. It was exactly as one would imagine a real country Irish Pub, with all kinds of curiousities hanging on the walls, lit candle sticks on each table, and badly taxidermy, including a shadow box of two fox kits, who's eyes were grossly oversized for their little heads.
We were in the "Hooley" room, long plank tables with stools running each side, and our own bar. There was a fireplace with a stage in front of it, and Dennis was kind enough to snag our seats literally right next to the stage, as in my stool butted the stage. Dinner was fantastic, starting with a seafood chowder, followed up by a lamb Irish stew, followed up by whiskey bread cake stuff. It was hearty, filling, and delicious. Cider complimented dinner nicely, and Anna and I both had a couple of them.
After dinner dishes were cleared away by lovely ladies, we were treated to a rousing concert of traditional Irish music!!! They engaged the crowd, and everyone was soon worked up into a lively bunch, raising our glasses and swaying to and fro with the Dutch guys across the room from us. The band played for a good hour before having to take a break, when *someone* decided to invite me to take a shot of tequilla with him. 4 shots and an intermission later, the stage raised and we were treated to a very up close and personal preformance of Irish dancers!!! Lovely ladies, and handsome gents whirled and stomped and spun with such verocity it was difficult to sit still!!! Then it came to the time in the show where the dancers pick some of the audince members to engage them in the performace, by dragging them up to the stage to give it a 'whirl' as it were. The boys came into the crowd to pick partners, and in addition to one of the companions of the Dutch guys, Anna was swept up on to the stage to dance around. She did well, and as hard as I tried, I could not get a good photo of her spinning around. The boys' dance over, the girls came out and did the same thing, grabbing two guys from the crowd, and of course, Dennis went up on stage and danced around. It was pretty funny because he is such a showman, mimicking the dancers almost as if he knew what the hell he was doing. I am pretty sure that one of his co-workers took a video, and if I get a copy of that, it's going on facebook!!!!
What a great time. Dancing, singing, Dutch guys who were very animated and happy... I introduced myself after them and thanked them for being such a great addition to the evening, and they made sure to tell me how much they loved President Obama. :)
We ended up back at the house at around 1:30 or so, and back to the bar. A family was here celebrating someone's 40th birthday, and in very typical Irish hospitality, we were soon merged with the group, sharing songs and drinks.
The whole scene reminded me of The Hobbit, with songs followed by cheers and clapping. One of Dennis' co-workers who lives in Dublin explained to us the prestige of actually leading a sing along, how one must "pray attend the bard" during the preformance, as they have earned the right to sing by some right of passage that I don't quite understand. And as much an outsider that I am, I felt completely welcome and involved in the whole thing. It was very romantic and I was quite taken with the entire situation.
We finally came to bed after 3:30, and woke up next morning at 9. Breakfast was taken in the dining room, and we said good bye to all the folks who were leaving today.
After breakfast, we took a taxi back into town for some tattoo adventures. I ended up having to schedule an actual appointment, for Thursday. So we took the opportunity to walk another 10 miles (I'm sure that is an exaggeration but my feet don't think so) and visit the Dublin Historical Museum. It was great, and really shed some light on the 1916 uprising and the ensuing revolt that lasted till the mid 1920's and resulted in Ireland's independance from the British. It was very illuminating and educational, and I have a greater appriciation for the nationalism that these people have.
We stopped into a very small pastry shop that our nose found before our eyes did... and I had the most amazing epucurian experience that I have ever had. The place was tiny, as I mentioned, and the man behind the counter was kind of hard to understand with his thick accent. I asked for a pastry filled with mozerella cheese, spinich and olives, and was presented with the most beautiful golden puffed crescent of goodness I have ever seen. It was perfect in every way, from the flaky and chewy pastry, to the salty savory goodness inside. Each bite was honestly, pure heaven. As if that wasn't enough, I followed up with an almond biscuit dusted with powdered sugar, and a dopio espresso. Perfect consistancy and crunch, the biscuit was not too sweet and complimented the coffee with harmony that couldn't have been composed any better. The place was fabulous, and I will return before I leave this place.
We ended up walking round the city, stopping in shops from time to time. We stumbled upon a flea market, where Anna picked up a couple of cute dresses for herself and I found a cute little pin for Sophy. Live music was on almost each block, including a drum circle at the "Occupy" camp. I am assuming that's where all of the "alternative" kids hang out, since that's the only place I've seen any of that style dress!!!
Out of exhaustion, we decided to grab a taxi back to the house, and are going to go to dinner soon so Dennis can come back to the room and pass out. :)
Friday, February 10, 2012
Day 4
We had a geat time at the Guiness Storehouse today! There was a guided tour that gave us the highlights of the brewerey and history of Guiness, and after that, we got a fresh pint, first drinkable glass of a newly tapped keg. It was like nothing else!!! Delicious!
After that we walked around the plant exploring and watching some videos and stuff. All in all, it was a very cool thing to do in Dublin.
The tour bus dropped us off near Temple Bar, and we walked around and were amazed for a while. I managed to find the tattoo shop thanks to a friendly local who overheard us talking about it, and got to bring in my design and set up a time to come in and get the work done! The artist is very cool and I was impressed by her ability to work with my original design!!! So, tomorrow, I'll be getting inked!
I'm posting from the hotel room, and the internet is not the best here, so no photos today, but hopefully after the MS meeting in the board room, I can go use their internet connection to throw some photos up here before the end of the day.
I think today I'll be hitting some cememtaries here in Dublin. Can't wait!!!
After that we walked around the plant exploring and watching some videos and stuff. All in all, it was a very cool thing to do in Dublin.
The tour bus dropped us off near Temple Bar, and we walked around and were amazed for a while. I managed to find the tattoo shop thanks to a friendly local who overheard us talking about it, and got to bring in my design and set up a time to come in and get the work done! The artist is very cool and I was impressed by her ability to work with my original design!!! So, tomorrow, I'll be getting inked!
I'm posting from the hotel room, and the internet is not the best here, so no photos today, but hopefully after the MS meeting in the board room, I can go use their internet connection to throw some photos up here before the end of the day.
I think today I'll be hitting some cememtaries here in Dublin. Can't wait!!!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Day 3
We made it to Dublin! Already, the tone and pace is miles slower than London.
We made our way through the Heathrow Airport, Terminal 1... What a place! It had a very strange old feel to it, like we walked into the 60's or something. The security was not bad, but very rushed. Definately a feeling of HURRY HURRY HURRY to it!!!
The flight from London to Dublin was short. Maybe... an hour? It wasn't bad. Dublin Airport was great... the staff was very friendly and helpful, not at all accusitory or angry! It was a delightful change from being at Heathrow... Got the cab no problem and half hour after landing we were at.... one of the most beautiful hotels I've ever been to!
Finnstown Hotel Lucan is amazing. The place is posh beyond compare, especially after staying the last two days at Holiday Inn (which was a fine place for sleeping by the way!) Finnstown is decorated with beautiful fabrics, wonderful artwork, taxidermy, regal furniture, and many, many bars! The drinking age is 18 here, but no one pays any mind to that... and to that end, Anna enjoyed a cider!!!!
I am very happy to be with Dennis, and his co-workers. It's nice to be among people that we actually know! One of his co-workers who is a local here in Dublin has a brother in law who is a cab driver who will be driving us around Dublin on Friday! How exciting!!!! In addition, Anna and I are invited to the after work events, including the dinner this evening (of which I am still full from, 2 hours later) and the Guiness tour tomorrow!!!!!!!!! There is also a Valentine's Ball on Saturday that Dennis and I are going to get to go to, dinner, dancing, live music... Thanks, Microsoft! I guess it makes up for the lack of Holiday Party! :D
The dinner that we got to tkae par tin this evening was fabulous, included seafood chowder, a steak covered in mushrooms and gravy and desert that made me cry a little bit... a warm lemon tart with whipped cream. The service here is stellar, and everyone is so friendly! Every single hotel employee that I have interracted with has been accomidating and very helpful. It's such a nice experience!
The internet isn't the greatest here, so I will do what I can to post regularly and even try and get a couple of photos up.
Day 2, Recap!
Annastasia and I spent the day in London, in the museum district and Piccadilly Circuis.
Our trip on the tube was amazing today, as we were able to see the city in sunlight! And with this warmth, out came ... FOXES!!!! We saw about 5 foxes along the train route. It was very difficult not to freak out and get all crazy, we didn't want to embarras ourselves infront of the locals!
Our exit off the tube put us in an underground walk way that went directly to an underground promanade, going to the museum entrances.
Victoria Albert Museum took the bulk of our time, and we managed to see probably three quarters of what there was to offer. Being in the presence of such old and historical objects of art was overwhelming, and I admit to being teary-eyed on more than one occasion. I took a lot of photos at the museum but we don't have a cord for the Cannon so I can't upload them till I get home! I look forward to sharing those photos.
The hotel provided breakfast and we stuffed some cheeses, apples and a small baguette in our purse for our adventure, and so after the V&A museum we picknicked in a sunny spot. It was a much needed respite after walking for hours on end and looking upon beautiful things!!!
The Natural Sciences Museum is in a cool old churc... the building is imposing and beautiful, and filled with specimines of all kinds of animals! Skeletons of giant whales and a model of a blue whale are next to taxidermy of more familiar animals, an elk, an elephant, a rhino or three... The comparison of the sizes was awesome!
Jumping back on the tube, we went to Piccadilly Circuis to walk around in the daylight. We got a lot of photos here too. I am under the impression that 98 percent of the men in this town are fashionable beyond anything I've ever seen before. It seems that sharp jackets, boots and leather satchels are the required dress for men in London. Annastasia and I were alwasy impressed with the style that the guys here have. Wow.
When we were done, we came back to the hotel and had dinner. Pretty good stuff, a lot of Indian inspired foods! The television had the 'football' match on, an orange team and a blue team... so we decided to watch it! A gentleman from here explained to us the goings on of the game while we enjoyed our cider and scotch! What a fun time!
Now we're ready to move onto a quieter place, and see the scenery of Ireland!!!!!
More to follow, and I'll get photos with the point and click camera so I can upload them!
Our trip on the tube was amazing today, as we were able to see the city in sunlight! And with this warmth, out came ... FOXES!!!! We saw about 5 foxes along the train route. It was very difficult not to freak out and get all crazy, we didn't want to embarras ourselves infront of the locals!
Our exit off the tube put us in an underground walk way that went directly to an underground promanade, going to the museum entrances.
Victoria Albert Museum took the bulk of our time, and we managed to see probably three quarters of what there was to offer. Being in the presence of such old and historical objects of art was overwhelming, and I admit to being teary-eyed on more than one occasion. I took a lot of photos at the museum but we don't have a cord for the Cannon so I can't upload them till I get home! I look forward to sharing those photos.
The hotel provided breakfast and we stuffed some cheeses, apples and a small baguette in our purse for our adventure, and so after the V&A museum we picknicked in a sunny spot. It was a much needed respite after walking for hours on end and looking upon beautiful things!!!
The Natural Sciences Museum is in a cool old churc... the building is imposing and beautiful, and filled with specimines of all kinds of animals! Skeletons of giant whales and a model of a blue whale are next to taxidermy of more familiar animals, an elk, an elephant, a rhino or three... The comparison of the sizes was awesome!
Jumping back on the tube, we went to Piccadilly Circuis to walk around in the daylight. We got a lot of photos here too. I am under the impression that 98 percent of the men in this town are fashionable beyond anything I've ever seen before. It seems that sharp jackets, boots and leather satchels are the required dress for men in London. Annastasia and I were alwasy impressed with the style that the guys here have. Wow.
When we were done, we came back to the hotel and had dinner. Pretty good stuff, a lot of Indian inspired foods! The television had the 'football' match on, an orange team and a blue team... so we decided to watch it! A gentleman from here explained to us the goings on of the game while we enjoyed our cider and scotch! What a fun time!
Now we're ready to move onto a quieter place, and see the scenery of Ireland!!!!!
More to follow, and I'll get photos with the point and click camera so I can upload them!
Monday, February 6, 2012
The Flight!
Annastasia and I waited at Seatac for our flight to London this afternoon, and were sent off by a magnificent sunset that colored the planes orange and reflected off the the terminal windows.
The flight was fine, it was over 9 hours... but we got food. And it was good food too! The Butternut squash ravioli with asparagus and a magnificent butterey sauce that is probably too unhealthy to ever eat again. BUT... get this... I got a Kit Kat!!! Costco let me down but British Air got my back. Ben, that totally made me think of you. :)
Anna and I got our photo taken by the super nice flight attendant too.
We're going to go to the Victoria Albert Museum tomorrow and visit Piccadilly Circuis, and get a bunch of photos.
London is a really huge city, it's overwhelming in many ways. I will relish my couple of days here but I really am anxious to get to Ireland. :D
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