Last blog from Ireland (for the time being!!)

Adare to Dublin



I didn't take either of these photos but they illustrate exactly the beautiful views I experienced on my final drive today.

They talk about picture postcard views- well I tell you that saying must have been birthed in Ireland.

Adare/Dublin-May 31st
Well I did it! Just on five weeks ago I set out from this hotel to have my irish adventure. I am quite proud of myself, particularly of the past 16 days as I navigated and drove around the Republic alone. Maybe this is but the first!!
I left Adare,on the southwest side of Limerick this morning around 8.30a.m. Three hours of almost perfect driving later I arrived in Dublin. The trip would have been a wee bit (15mins) shorter if I hadn’t made a right turn as I hit the M50 to do the ring of Dublin. I found myself driving back towards Wicklow(south) the same as when I began the trip. Realized and did a lefty off the M50 navigated a U turn and back on the M50 facing north- all without stopping the car or looking at a map. Bingo there it was the wee symbol I had been looking for “an aeroplane”!! From then on I was fine as I was in known territory. A few more minutes and I was at the exit R108 which would take me to the hotel I booked a few days ago online- “Day’s Hotel”. (Great place especially costwise if anyone is coming this way in the near future.)
The drive here was so enjoyable. Miles and miles of rolling green countryside crisscrossed with green hedges. Traffic was reasonable although boy some drivers have never heard of indicating especially when changing lanes. I really enjoyed the peace, freedom and sense of having succeeded in what I planned.
This will be my last blog in Ireland. Tomorrow morning I drive the car back to its depot-retrieve my 1200euros deposit and return to the hotel to rest until early evening. I have booked a shuttle ride at 5.30p.m. to the airport. For an extra 30euro the hotel is allowing me to stay at the hotel till 3 hours before my flight. That is not too bad as transit stays go. I have decided to treat myself to dinner in the hotel tonight. Normally I have gone to the local “Tesco”(Woolworths) and bought a salad or whatever and bought it back to the B and B to eat. I may even have a glass or two of wine!!!!!!!!!! I will drink to you all, my family and friends who through the wonder of IT have travelled with me over the past weeks.

Next posting will be from home about the trip back. Please, please say a prayer sometime Wednesday morning (your time) for my trip home. I board the plane Tuesday 8.55p.m. (11.55a.m. Wed your time) I am rather dreading it from the point of view of space. My last 8 hours on a plane was spent next to a nice guy alright. It was his size next to mine that caused the problem. I am really hoping somehow the plane isn’t too full. Maybe this is the price I pay for such a great holiday. Oh well onward and upward or “......build a bridge”!
Cheers till later.
Anne (Tess)

Adare near Limerick.

Adare near Limerick



This is a wee gift shop like many others in Adare. It is an experience just to walk in without buying anything.








Just a weekend bungalow!!!! It is called Adare Manor(now a hotel) and as you can see it has gorgeous gardens. Lovely but still not as good as "Powercourt" gardens visited at the start of my trek!








This is another example of the many normal homes in this pretty village. Note the thatched roof.







You know who and Maryanne Bates out the front of the Adare Heritage Centre where we had a cuppa. We were both a little cold as the sun had gone in.

Hello All
It is Sunday afternoon or evening rather-6.45p.m. and I have just returned from spending a couple of hours with Maryanne(Bates) and her friend Kerry. Despite a couple of hiccups we managed to meet. It was great to see a familiar face and swap stories. They are just beginning their trek around Ireland while mine has come to an end. We would have met earlier today but they had car trouble and had to go about getting a new car. They have headed off for Kilarney.
I have spent the last two days in a very picturesque village called Adare. (Anne my friend you remember don’t you?) I will try and attach some photos. It is a real village about 10 to 15mins from Limerick. The village itself is relatively new (1929) although habitation is much older. There are many ruins eg manors, monasteries and farm buildings dotting the countryside as usual. Today after a wee bit of shopping (a little splurge Angela) I spent most of the day just investigating the many country lanes around Adare. It has turned cold again and the weather forecast isn’t promising.
Tomorrow I do my last big drive and possibly the longest. I drive to Dublin to the airport hotel I have booked. Advice says it will take me around 2 to 3 hours. A long drive in the words of the irish!!
I will do my last posting from Dublin tomorrow.
Cheers till then.
Anne (Tess)

Mallow- Thursday May 27th No 2

Tabenachel in Chapel at Nano Nagel Centre

Sorry but this should have gone in the previous blog I just posted 2 minutes ago. Haven't yet work out how to change a post after it has been posted!! Slack I know!

I was just so impressed or better in awe of something that has been dated as 33million years BC. It is a piece of bog wood.

Hope you are as interested as I am . If not just ignore it!

Mallow- Thursday May 27th

Sr Rita and you know who. Do you like the photo Phil?

NANO NAGLE CENTRE

View as you turn into the centre

Photo does not do justice to natures real colours.

The students I speak about in the blog. Feeding lambs with one of the sisters.

Bungalows rented out to whoever wants to use them. One on the left was my recovery unit on Tuesday/Wednesday after my mishap!!

Part view of front of main building. Its age is pre 1718. It actually was the barn on Nano Nagle's parents property.

Last Day in Mallow-May 28th
Today I spent the day at the Nano Nagle Centre for Heritage, Spirituality and Ecology. It is a living heritage centre, inspired by and continuing on, the work of Nano Nagle who was the foundress of the Presentation Sisters. It is also the home and work centre for Sr Rita who I spoke about in the previous blog. She is on a years, just extended to two, working visit to Ireland. It just also happens that she comes from the Presentation Spirituality Centre at Manly in Brisbane.
I was totally educated by the pressies and my aunt, Carmel, who died last year, was also a presentation sister. She would have loved to have been with me or at least had the opportunity I have been blessed with. Twice I might add-one as a patient and today as a very welcomed friend.
It is the most amazing place that embodies the mission and spirituality of a courageous young woman not unlike Mary Mackillop. This centre is on 32 acres of farmland still sustaining crops and live animals as it did in 1718. The five sisters in residence have an army of people who are all in charge of their own various areas and together run the whole thing as well as sustain themselves. It is also a multicultural wee community with people coming from all parts of our world.
As I arrived and pulled up in the car I glanced over to the nearby paddock full of cute lambs and their mums. In the midst of the wee flock was a sister in her sari accompanied by ten Yr 6 or 7 students. Not a teacher in sight. The kids were fantastic in their interaction and so well behaved. They were part of a large group that had been split and sent off to various sections of the property. I was rather impressed and made sure when I met their teachers, a while later, that they knew what their kids were like. Also what amazed me not a parent in sight!!! Apparently this is the way of many days as the centre has many school visits and the like. After experiencing many facets of ecology and sustainability the chn (or adults) visit the various exhibitions, power point, and prayer room and are generally exposed to the charism of Nano Nagle.
It also hires out various to any organization who wishe to avail themselves of the many amenities such as dogs being trained for the handicapped or training and educating people in various musical instruments. Another area they go into is accommodation. They have three beautifully equipped bungalows that are hired out either as room or whole dwelling. I wish I had realized before I had booked into my B and B. Definitely worth a stay either as a patient or visitor!! Better as a visitor!! For those of you interested I have attached the web site for a sticky. Make sure you look at “The Cosmic Walk” or read about the Sundial.
I had lunch with the community of sisters, workers and visitors like myself. It was great. Then Rita walked me around most things for about 2 hours. Again those interested of course I went into the wee chapel that looks out over the huge section of the Blackwater Valley-named by the resident river. One thing I just loved was the bogwood tabenachel. Recent archaeologists have dated it to be 33 million years BC. (photo attached) The whole concept of bogs fascinates me. To look at and be allowed to touch something that old just blows my mind.
As you can see I was impressed by this place and would love to come back at some time. Angela I thought of you a bit today as you would love this place. It speaks of a lot of your lines of thought and values. I would love to be part of something like this for longer than a tourist visit. Oh well reality beckons. Tomorrow I pack up for the second last time and drive onto Adare a few miles from Limerick. This will be my last tourist stop. Let you know about there in my next blog. As I type I look to the side and see you are all snug asleep as it is 3.04a.m.Sat. For me I must away to make some tea- it is 18.05p.m.
Love you all- cheers
Anne (Tess)

Mallow- Thursday May 27th

ASHFIELD HOUSE: Back garden

ASHFIELD HOUSE: Front garden

ASHFIELD HOUSE: I am in the wee house to the side

Hello Everyone
Sorry but I have been offline over the past three days due to a wee bout of food poisoning. Thank God when this occurred I was close to a friend-Sr Rita Cusack(presentation sister from Wynnam and Phil Van Brunschot’s sister) and she plus the community at the Nano Nagle Centre were angels in disguise. I tell you I will be a great advertisement for the Emergency Dept at Mallow Hospital. They were fantastic-talk about fast action. All details (should you wish to know) will have to wait until my return. Suffice to say I am now on the mend and trying to be more careful-not eating any chicken, especially since MY LONG FLIGHT home is only 5 days away. Plus I’d rather not go through that again!!
My time in this beautiful land is coming to an end. Time has literally galloped by. I can’t believe it is 12 days since I started my drive around. Today is Thursday and I travelled here to Mallow from Cashel on Monday. Boy did I strike pay dirt this time with accommodation. Upon making the booking for a B and B while in Cashel Eileen (this B and B’s owner) was going away for the week and could only offer me a self catering unit for the same price of a B and B. Naturally I took it. (Photos attached) It really is lovely with every conceivable normal comfort including an iron/washing machine which has been a bit of a pain doing B and B’s. The gardens are glorious. (Photos attached).
Tomorrow (Friday) I am going back to the Nano Nagle Centre for lunch which had to be cancelled on Tuesday because I was in the hospital. Rita took me back to the centre for the night on picking me up from the hospital as I was advised not to be alone. Actually I wasn’t given much choice where Rita and Francis were concerned. Again God was good! I stayed the night and most of Wednesday but didn’t get to see anything of the centre of course. I slept most of the time. Hence going back tomorrow for lunch. This time I can be social and not a patient!!
Tell you more tomorrow.
Cheers
Anne (Tess)

The "Rock of Cashel"- yes I walked up the hill !

View 1 from the Rock

View 2 from the Rock.

Me contemplating the view

Cashel Day 3-Sunday 23rd May
Great day again today. As usual started with someone cooking my breakfast. Boy am I going to suffer withdrawal symptoms when reality returns the first day at home and I have to make breakfast myself. I have been so lucky with all the B and B’s I have stayed in. The owners have been so friendly and gone out of their way to make me feel at home. God is good.
My travels today took me to yet another great place once again. The place is called the “Rock of Cashel”.(Photo above) This, as I said yesterday, was the place of Kings until the 12th Century when it was passed over to the “Church”. (As was the custom to build on something high so you could see your enemies coming. Now we know why many early Christian dwellings are often high on a hill.) From then on it became one of the most thriving centres in Ireland. Gradually, after “Henry” did his bit and tried to abolish monasticism it fell into disrepair. For nearly two centuries it was just a ruin that the local boys used to run away to and dare each other to do rather dangerous feats. Finally the city council in the 1960’s took control and started to return it to its historical glory. Today it is one of the four top tourist and historical sites in Ireland. All I know is that it, like some of the other sacred places I have journeyed to over past days; there is something that speaks to you, especially if you are lucky enough to have some quiet time without others around. I have been blessed that this has occurred often. For about 30 mins I was able to sit on a rise just below the “Rock” believe it or not in the ancient graveyard and “just be” looking at the most incredible almost 360dgs scenery of the countryside surrounding the rock buildings. (Photo illustrates).

Tomorrow I leave Cashel and journey south west to Mallow. Will chat again then.

Miss you all.

Cheers

Anne (Tess)

(Looks wide- believe me it isn't)

Hello All
Sorry been a wee bit busy since last I posted. My last day in Kilkenny was spent visiting a glass blowing centre and a couple more historical places. By now I understand the difference between a church, an abbey and a cathedral. I even had a lovely lady give me a private tour of a Cistercian monastery because it was quiet and the boss wasn’t around.
Just as well I am not rich and I live so far away. Both counts stop me buying things. I tell you I have been tempted so many times.
Yesterday I left Kilkenny and drove to Cashel. -the ancient ecclesiastical centre and kingdom of Ireland. Lovely drive- even took a quick photo of me as I was driving. It gives you a good idea of what most of the roads (egR660) is like. It took about 2 hours because of the size of the road as I often have to stop to give way.
Lovely township Cashel like a quaint village but with all amenities. Did a long sticky around in the afternoon and guess what I came across!! A teacher with her third grade class of around 30 walking around the township with their little clipboards visiting various points of historical interest. Of course you can guess what I did once they stopped and in a very orderly fashion sat down for a snack. I went up and introduced myself to the teacher. She was great and fascinated with what I was doing. I might add she had 1 yes 1 parent with her and the kids did not move all the time we talked. I was very aware of what she was supposed to be doing and tried a couple of times to move away but she wasn’t worried. The kids just kept smiling at me.
Funnily enough I go into a certain church this morning and got chatting to a lady and what do I find? All the first communion chin’s sacramental symbols hanging beautifully around the church just happened to belong in part to the same teacher and her children!! The school is called St John the Baptist. As today is Saturday and schools are closed I couldn’t go and visit. Wouldn’t it be lovely though if we could set up some type of buddy system between the two schools. I think I might visit the school on my way out of town on Monday. Can’t hurt- I’ll think about it a wee bit more- keep you posted on that.
Tomorrow I plan to visit the “Rock of Cashel”. Again the historical ruins of both a castle of the first kings of Ireland and the first ecclesiastical community. I tried to go this morning but as rounded the corner to go up to the "rocks" carpark a gardia (policeman) stopped me to say they couldn't let any more people up there. Reason was a huge group of over 300 people( big for here) had turned up and were protesting- something to do with money being spent on historical sites. Anyway that's why I am going tomorrow. More of that after the visit.
Keep well.

Cheers

Anne(Tess)

Kilkenny -Wednesday 19th May
A new day dawned this morning rather late for me. I didn’t wake up until just before 8 this morning. I am getting a little tired. Think all the travel might be catching up. By the time I had gone down to breakfast, had a shower ect it was just after 10. Thought it might be good idea to slow down a little so I stayed at the B and B for the morning.
Around 12p.m. I drove into Kilkenny, parked the wee vehicle, had an interesting chat with the parking inspector who was lovely and went into Kilkenny Castle. (Photos attached). Once again another glorious example of days gone. This one dates back to 1134AD and a time of emerging Christianity in Ireland. The history is long but really fascinating.
The lovely part is the restoring of the building to what it looked like 150years ago when this building was the centre of Victorian society in Ireland. I was really interested in one part of the castle that fascinated me on the bus tour as I told you all yesterday. That section is called simply the picture room. It is a huge long hall whose walls are lined with all the paintings (mostly of family) bought by the various family members down through the ages. It fascinated me that in a family home you would have such an enormous room to just pop into after eating brekkie or popping into the loo just to look at the relies! I actually said as much to one of attendants that stand guard. She told me that what I proposed was true. However the housekeepers of the home (castle) would allow travellers into the hall and charge sixpence. This money was then given to the local infirmary of the time.
Another interesting fact is the grounds/gardens. They are four or five times the size of that other place I told you about called “Powercourt” in Wicklow. The grounds/gardens are actually an enormous park that anyone can come into walk around. Picnic or whatever. The city of Kilkenny is actually built around this castle and in a constant state of restoration.
I have also included in the photos today some of the B and B I am staying at –very different to the one in Wicklow. This home is full of antiques from the Victorian times and surrounded by a small but soul restoring garden.
Tomorrow my last day in Kilkenny I plan to visit a cave and a glass blowing studio. Tell you more when I chat tomorrow.
Till then keep smiling-I am
Anne (Tess)

Kilkenny-Tues May 18th

Hi family and friends,
I wish you could see me. I am sitting on an antique chair at the side of my bed with the laptop balancing on a pillow. B and B’s don’t seem to have tables in them. Or at least the two I have stayed in don’t. As I type I look at the time on the laptop 4.51a.m. (Wed). Trust you are all snoozing and will read this later.
This morning I left Wicklow and didn’t travel that far really but it took 2 and a half hours because of the picturesque though narrow, hedged roads. Good trip except for the weather. Ireland’s normal weather has descended. I had rain and mist (not fog) most of the way. Can’t complain really because the last five days have been sunny. Unusual for Ireland I am being told.
Car is great and quite good as far as fuel is concerned. Not as good as the getz but not bad. So far I have filled the tank once (28euro) not bad considering I have been travelling around since last Saturday. I have covered quite a bit of territory.
Arrived in Kilkenny around 11.30a.m. and believe it or not drove right up to the B and B. Thought it would take me a few chats to people before I found it. God is good. Margaret (owner-we are on first name basis!!) let me drop everything even though I was a bit early. I then left to drive into the city to visit a few historic places. Cathedral (1315ad) Black Abbey (1500) and then a hand weavers and potters. Great stuff-boring to a few of you but I just love history. Particularly catholic history good or bad!!Tomorrow I am going to Kilkenny Castle (not catholic). We visited it on the bus tour but only for an hour. This is the reason I have come here so I can spend more time and really see the castle properly.
I am staying here 3 days and will move on on Friday. This is the best for for me rather than 1 day here 1 day there. I really get a feel for the various places and don’t get too tired.
Nicole- if you are reading this I learnt another thing today with the blog. Discovered that various people have posted comments at the end of each blog. I just love learning all this stuff. It was so much fun reading all the comments. Sorry Helen,Carmel,Angela,Jenny I didn’t see them until today. I will make sure I am more vigilant. Carmel I trust John got away safely and will be home soon. Helen glad you found those “wonderful” books and I will reply in the kid’s blog to all those various kids’ comments. I will also try to wake up around 3a.m this Friday morning. That will make it 12p.m.Friday. I can’t promise as I don’t have an alarm clock. Jenny give my love to your mum. Angela can you let me know how Marg is??
Have been skyped 3 times by a friend (Phil). It is so great to see a familiar face and chat in real time, especially if you are not well. Chest infection I caught over a week ago is on its way out. Thank God!!
Airports are open today much to the delight of 3 fellow B and B aussies I was with in Wicklow. They chatted over breakfast before I left. There is much critism over here for the aviation people who say yea or nay to planes flying. All the airlines are saying the group are being too careful! How can you be too careful? Personally- I love you all and am looking forward to seeing you all again BUT I’d rather stay safe here than risk bad flying!!
Ok getting a bit weary so will sign off now- till tomorrow.
Love to all (especially family)

Monday May 17th "Glendalough"

Monday 17th May
Hello again-it is 3.30p.m. and I have just returned from yet another little journey into the history of Ireland. Much older than yesterday’s venture to Powerscourt a mere 4 to 5 centuries ago. This wee site goes back to pre 618AD. “Glendalough” is the name of an early medieval monastic settlement founded by St Kevin in the 6th century.
Again I won’t bore you with the historical stuff as it really doesn’t mean much unless you come and experience it for yourself. Suffice to say it is magic to sit, in our 21st century, on a wall that has been in existence 1400 years. Or to go through a display that talks of the real way of living in those times. The sense of order, well being, social caring and spirituality that pervaded the day to day living in a village that sprang up around these monasteries. A shame we don’t learn from the past hey!!!
(Phil you told me this place would be special and you are right. I just loved it. Spent four hours just walking around)
Driving up to Glendalough was an experience. Though it is not far from my B and B in Wicklow about 40mins the type of roads make the journey a little longer. What the irish would call roads we call lanes. Thank God I know the rule about giving way to the right. I crossed bridges that a bike barely gets through and I have done so many U turns because the sign post is buried in the hedge or man-handled and turned the opposite way. That being said it is still fantastically easy to drive around Ireland. One just needs to remember irish minor roads need care and a greater sense of watchfulness.
Ended up chatting to two ladies in the video presentation. One was from Wisconsin in US and the other was from Sweden. We ended up having a cuppa in the local hotel together. They, as many people ,are very anxious about going home in two days. Once again the airports are closed till 12noon. This volcano certainly is causing a lot of disruption. I am not worrying about it till around the 26th. No point I can’t do anything about it. Here in Ireland the volcano is the constant topic in papers, on TV and in daily conversation.
Ok must off to mundane things like washing. Tomorrow I leave Wicklow and move to Kilkenny. A journey due south-west and it should take me around one and a half hours.
Let know in the next post. Look after yourselves and keep smiling!
Anne (Tess)

PS By the way- TV this morning on the news announced in the weather spot that it was going to be a wait for it "heatwave" at the end of the week because it was going to be " 20dgs" !!!!!!!!!

Sunday 16th May
As I write this post I notice you are all tucked up in bed fast asleep as it is 5.14a.m. (Mon). It is 8.14p.m. Sunday night and it is still bright sunlight. The dark and light of Ireland at this time is still a little startling.
Today I ventured back a little towards Dublin on the M50(fantastic road) for 30mins to Enniskerry. This town is a wee bit like Monteville or Maleny. The difference being it has an old mansion called Powers court. This building and enormous gardens date from the early 17th century. I won’t bore you with the history of the building and grounds even though it is interesting, suffice to say I have never seen anything like it. Any minute I thought “Mr Darcy” was going to come running up the long green lawn towards me.
The home is impressive but the gardens are like a dream. Rolling green lawns, beautiful water features majestic statues and gorgeous flowers beds. There are many different walks but the one I chose took over an hour to do. Then just to sit in different places, close your eyes and listen was magic.
The various branches of the aristocratic family really lived high. They didn’t seem to have a recession!! Mind you I’d love to see signs of the “real people” who kept this magnificent the way it was looked after. No-where to be seen!!
One cute but unusual place I stopped in me stroll was the “Pet Cemetery”. There were over thirty headstones all inscribed on. There was a cow, a horse, lots of dogs and even a duck. All had names and the inscriptions were fitting for any human relation!! The cow had an inscription that thanked her for her milk. It really bought a few smiles to visitors.
Tomorrow I plan to visit a place in the other direction called “Glendalough”. It is an early Christian monastery. More of that tomorrow.
As I post this I plan to put some photos of “Powerscourt”. Hope it works!!
Chat tomorrow.

Friday May 14th
A different journey begins- woke this morning to a forecast of colder weather ahead. I am getting accustomed to it. I really do function much better in cold than I do in heat. Maybe I should look for a short work experience here!! No- too expensive! Two nights ago I had a tia maria and coke. Got the bill and nearly choked on it 8euro. No wonder everyone drinks wine (3euro) or beer?
On the same subject (money) Ireland really is in a bad state as far as the recession is concerned. The bus journey around the entire island has been very eye opening on that topic. They talk about “celtic tiger” time when Ireland absolutely flourished and went through an enormous boom in building and construction. Homes reached as high as 1 million a piece and many young families took out huge amounts of morage. Then we all know what happened two years ago. Well the result is an astounding amount of buildings (very modern) all left vacant signs everywhere “Vacant-To Let” You can see it everywhere not just in the major cities. They are seeing the tourist industry as a means of bringing the economy back up again. Brings benefits to us tourists but also hits us in some ways depending on where you stay.
Unfortunately amid all this I have caught what has turned out to be a nasty chest infection not just a cold? Have sought medical help and am much better in the last two days. Still taking the medication for while yet. Phil, God bless her (-thankyou Phil), just managed to skype me twice when I was a bit low. Talking to someone from home did just as much good as the medicine. It is fantastic to talk to someone and you can see them and they you. I did miss a day in Kilarney as I stayed in bed in the hotel room rather than go out in the cold. It meant I missed out on the tour around the Ring of Kerry but I felt I would be in trouble if I didn’t take some care. I will go back and do that by myself. Anyway I feel so much better. As I type I have three layers on-am taking no chances.
Left on the hotel shuttle to go to the airport this morning to pick up the car. Not altogether impressed actually. The process (of getting an already booked car) took two hours!!!!!!! There were quite a few of us not happy. First as usual we presented ourselves at the appropriate desk in the terminal-filled out all the papers-left an imprint for 1200euros (yes you heard right) got the keys and then had to walk outside and wait for the shuttle to where all the cars are kept (miles away). That was in the freezing wind and took far more than the 15mins we were told. Upon arriving at yard we were driven up to actual car and just dropped!!! No chance to ask pertinent questions like which way to go!! We all drove around to the office and one at a time said what we thought. I will never again hire from this group-“SIXT”. I should have gone with Thrifty!!!! The whole experience was nothing like any of the other 7 times I have hired a car?
Anyway I have a zippy little black Reno coupe. Picture attached. I managed to make it to the hotel I am staying in tonight (or what I thought was the hotel) and pulled right in front of a Guardia (police) car. Turns out I had parked in the middle of a speeding trap. Honestly didn’t look like that! Anyway I begin to reverse to go around and I can’t for the life of me get the da.... thing in reverse. I got out of the car and just shrugged!! The gorgeous young Guardia got out smiling. I could imagine what was going on in his head. He told me to get in and he got in the passenger side and showed me. I was prepared for a talking to instead he settled in and chatted Blow the cars that are speeding past!! Once he knew where I came from I got a long story of how he loves Australia as he was there just recently. He then gave me fantastic directions and asked if he could do anything else to help. Shame I couldn’t say what I really thought!
Have settled into the hotel (Hilton) nice but very expensive for everything except the room for the night which is a barging. You pay for everything else. Hence I have ventured to the local Tesco (Woolworths) centre for food. After a wee nap have been working out where I am going. I have also looked at the budget and worked out what I am spending on accom and food as well as petrol. Things are ok-just nice not too tight.
I will admit after 14 days in the company of others, today was a bit strange being alone again. Many of the older ladies on the trip couldn’t get over the fact I was driving around on my own .However it is good to do my own thing in my own time.
Tomorrow I drive from here, Dublin near airport, to Wicklow. I am there for three days. They have internet so I will be able to blog again. I am hoping to visit a number of places during the days and then return at night to B and B. I have already rung the B and B to confirm the booking I made from home before I left. It all sounds really great. Will let you all know.
Miss you all but I will get over that!!!

Hi Everyone
I have had a bit of a problem with sending you the last two posts. I spent ages typing up loads of info and then obviously pressed the wrong button for all I had done disappeared. One post I put on the kids blog and had to spend ages working out how to delete it be cause of the content. Now I am writing all up in windows first and then cut and paste.
We never stop learning do we! So hear goes!
It is a week now since I have successfully posted you my movements.
Tues May 4th: Left for Belfast which took around three hours. Roads are a combination of great highways and small(I mean small) hedge or dry wall borders. These bus drivers certainly know their business. Brakes are frequently used. Arrived around 2.00p.m. and booked into a fabulous hotel called the Europa. Learnt later that the hotel was bombed three times during the troubles of the 60’s and 70’s.
Had my first experience of using my money passport. Really funny putting so many dollars on the card in Australia which then became euros but because I was in Northern Ireland the money cam out as pounds sterling. All money- am not bothering to convert because it would give me heartburn!! Belfast is a more modern city than Dublin but it has English money backing all the modernization. Despite all of that there is still a sadness to the city. Everywhere you go there are reminders of the troubles-paintings of people killed, monuments and sayings. Wednesday May5th
Travelled west along the beautiful atrim coast to Ballygally. Sounds good doesn’t it . Stopped along the way to view more historical sites. Ireland is full of them. Actually the accommodation was a ruined castle that had a hotel built onto it. It even had a ghost but it didn’t visit me-drat!Photo shows the headland I could see outside the window. If you look hard you can see a profile of a man.

Thursday May 6th Coasted to Derry- those living in Northern Ireland call it Londonderry. This city shares the same sadness as Belfast. Opted to go on a walking tour around the walled part of the city. This has turned out to be one of the best parts of my holiday so far. The guide was born and raised in Ireland of an irish father and a chinese mother. He has his mother’s appearance with a thick irish brogue. He works with youth but does tours as a sideline because of his beliefs in the city and future of Ireland. He was raised in the 60’s/70’s and witnessed some terrible things. He was so positive about the future and was a wonderful avocate for PEACE. It was the best hour and a half I have spent for ages. On the side I learnt a lot of history as well. I have learnt so much about the troubles since being here and it definitely isn’t just religious. So much goes back 500 yrs not just 50.
Friday May 7th(my neice’s birthday-HAPPY BIRTHDAY KARYN if you are reading this)
Moved onto Galway today. Everyone was singing yes you know it “Galway Bay”. Again a lovely hotel.
Opted to go to a medieval banquet in Dunguaire Castle on the edge of Kinvara Bay-gorgeous. The food was as a few centuries ago-not bad. We then were treated to some light hearted poetry and song-great. I might add all these evening activities are still in broad daylight as the sun doesn’t set until around 10.00p.m. Really strange for those of us (8) who live in the southern hemisphere.oardi

Saturday May 8th
We went on an excursion into the Connemarra. Talk About back of the beyond.West Ireland is very sparse-stones,rocks and bog lands. Speaking of bog lands boy does peat smell. They cut out brick shape bits of bog called peat for those that don’t know. They leave it in the sun to dry and then use it like coal. It really is a strong smell. Anyway after driving for a couple of hours to the very rugged coastline of wesy Ireland we come across this majestic building set on the side of one of the lakes. Of course it is a catholic dwelling!!! It is called Kylemore Abbey and is a boarding school for girls. IT STILL IS RUNNING!! Who would send their young daughter out to the middle of nowhere.

It is a really beautiful building very palace like and so well preserved as it is 300 years old. Mind you with nuns looking after it for the past two hundred years it would be in good order. I know that first hand !!!! It is also a very windy place as you can see. A passerby saw me looking at the lake and offered in a heavy brogue to take a picure. “Sure your old mother will want to see you in this beautiful place”!!
Sunday May 9th
Travelled through the county Clare to Killarney. Beautiful area just as it was when I was here 5 years ago with my friend Anne from Melbourne. Didn’t feel too good today full of sinus. Well by the time we got here I felt awful and was loosing my voice. I think the cold and tempts have had a bit of an effect despite me being careful and covering myself each day. Not a good night’s sleep either.
Monday May 10th
On waking this morning I felt terrible so rang the tour director to say I was pulling out of today’s activities. Shame but as I will be back this way on my self drive I can cover what I missed. I sought medical attention later today and yes I have a really good virus. Spent the day in bed with medication. As I write I feel much better so will be up early to join the group as go to Blarney.
Chat again soon
Cheers
Anne

Monday May 3rd

Yesterday was a hectic day but still exciting and new. I wake up each morning feeling so free. I know it is short but while I have it I am really enjoying it.
After a leisurely wake up I ventured down to an Al La Carte breakfast taking my time and reading the paper. I had been advised that in order to transfer to the hotel in the city “Camden Court”(the tour beginning hotel) it would be cheaper and easier to catch the shuttle back to the airport and catch the 16A public bus into the city. Apparently this bus stops just near the hotel.
I followed the advice and found the stop for the public bus whereupon I caught it along with loads of others and their equally 20kg+ cases. The weather was as expected-really cold and wet! Which I am strangely enjoying-can’t account for taste hey! Remember this was a public bus I was catching. All this made for a very interesting hour long trip. Boy do you learn a lot about human nature and the various generations .It must be said I was not in this case proud of the generation I am part of!! I was strangely calm and confident during the whole process and once again was treated to irish charm and courtesy. The bus driver was fantastic and gave me warning as my stop was coming up. A small walk up the rather uneven street and there was the hotel or should I say what looked like the Vatican including St Peter’s Square.

Booked in and settled into my rather “nice” room. By this time it was after lunch and my tummy was rumbling. To cut a long story short after looking at the options I ended up in the bar sitting on a high stool enjoying a very tasty meal. Bar tender was wonderful and attentive. Stacks of people all ages all around made for a very pleasant couple of hours.
I am extremely aware of my weight. Especially after the last leg of my flight over- another story! Hence I am trying to walk for an hour a day. Off I went. I know the sidewalks are rather narrow on some of these streets in this city but I had a quick reminder. As I walked past an interesting looking pub I obviously wasn’t paying attention and next thing I know I am out on the roadway on the ground. Thank God no cars at that second.Three rather young men from out of nowhere appeared and stayed with me until I was on my feet. They were so chatty with one even pulling up the leg of his trouser to show me a scar where he had damaged himself on his knee recently. They were lovely sadly too young!!
Gosh I felt an idiot and once again I hit my knee. (Different one this time Angela)It is a bit sore today (Monday) but nothing to worry about. Anyway I am fine nothing like trying to draw attention to yourself hey. Must away to my walk this morning. I am determined to return home with no increase in weight or even maybe having lost some.
Cheers(literally) till next chat