Spring Adventures

Happy Summer!

We've had some lovely days the past couple weeks, but that does not include today. In fact, Slim turned on the fireplace as I was starting this. It was lashing rain, and wind was whipping the trees around.

Signifcant recent events include a visit from JLa, a trip to London, a very special view of Blarney castle and a license!

We were over the moon to receive our latest visitor from the states - almost one year exactly after enjoying the visit of Jack and Noodles. Juneau Lass (JLa) made the treck from Seattle to enjoy the delights of Waterford.

She arrived bright and early on a Sunday, so we spent the day making our way from Dublin to Waterford, exploring along the way. We visited the Moone High Cross, Brownstown Dolmen and St. Mullins, only the last place had we visited before. For her birthday, we took JLa on Slim and PK's Copper Coast tour then out for a lovely French dinner in honour of her time in France. Over the weekend, JLa and Slim enjoyed the delights of Kinsale, then we all met up in Cork for some city fun. Next it was up to Rock of Cashel. We took a new route this time though through the Glen of Aherlow - gorgeous.

The next adventure was just for the girls - two days in Dublin for just me and JLa. First stop, Guinness brewary tour, better than I remembered it. Maybe a little early for drinking, but what are you going to do. After a late lunch and some exploring by foot, we headed to Temple Bar for a Musical Pub Crawl. Okay, this is super touristy, but was a highlight from Slim and I's trip here many years ago. I was disappointed by the lack of substance, but the music was fun. We continued the fun after the tour, but that's probably not appropriate for general audiences!

Thursday after sleeping in, we enjoyed the lovely Townhouse breakfast, we joined another tour, this one about the 1916 Rebellion - very interesting. A little shopping, then I had to say goodbye to JLa to return to Waterford on the last train of the evening.

We had a fantastic time with JLa and were just thrilled that she took the time and painful exchange rate to visit us. Click here for full photo log.

Last weekend I finally got my first taste of the great city of London, taking advantage of the fact that we can actually fly from Waterford to London. I flew out Friday evening and met Slim at St. Pancras station then took the Tube to our hotel in Shepherd's Bush near the very swanky areas of Notting Hill and Kensington. We capped off my first night in London with some delicious pints at a neighborhood brew pub. Saturday we found a lovely little french bakery, filling ourselves with lovely pastries and even lovelier coffee. Then off to the Tower of London. What a site. We enjoyed the entertaining beefeater tour, conveyed past the Crown jewels and explored the White Tower - me for the architecture, Slim for the military history exhibit. Then on to the tube to just get glimpses of the Eye of London, Big Ben and Westminster Abby.

The evening brought a couple of Slim planned surprises - first dinner at an okonomiyaki restaurant. Such a great treat as it was very authentic, and we haven't had good okonomiyaki since Japan. Then off to the theatre, to see Spamelot! A purely entertaining musical. Another excellent pint then much wondering around Soho on an average Saturday night. Now that is an experience. All ages, all makes, all models of people - skinny greasers, hen parties, street musicians - crazy like.

Sunday was back to our little bakery then out to the airport for a midday flight home. Quick trip, but great. I loved the architecture, the buzz of the city and the amazing subway system.

The big news of last week though was the delivery of Thursday's mail! Okay, not just any mail, my Irish driver's license arrived. I had passed the test a couple weeks before and was thrilled. Here is the quick explanation of getting an Irish driver's license (in Euros, add 50% for US):
Theory test to get your provisional license: 35
Eye test for provisional license: 8
Application for provisional license: 15
Driving lessons to ensure passing driving test: 70
Application fee for full license driving test: 35
More driving lessons after not passing first test: 70
Application fee for full license driving test, even after learning that the reason I did not pass the first test should not have been a failing offense and was perfectly within the law (seriously, the testers stopped failing people for this just after I took my test): 35
Application fee for full license: 25
Ripping the big red "L" sticker off the car window after receiving my license: do I really have to write it?

Last week had a very interesting start. Slim and I finally visited Blarney Castle. No we didn't kiss the Blarney Stone, first off because it is gross, all those people laying upside down to slober on a rock, yuk. Second because the site wasn't officially open. No, we did not sneak in.

I'll leave further details to Slim, but we participated in a Spencer Tunick installation. It was actaully amazing. This article was really the best news piece that we heard or read (despite the stupid title) about being part of the Irish installations. The article is about the Dublin installation (we were in Cork), but it was the only report from someone who was participating.

I think that is enough sharing for now!