Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
St.Patrick's Day Photos
Check them out! They aren't too good, but at least you should be able to get the idea of what the crowd is like and some feel for our experience.
Check back in the future for final chapter.
Check back in the future for final chapter.
Monday, March 19, 2007
St. Patrick's Day Festival in Dublin
Much thought went into the planning for the trip into Dublin for the parade on the 17th. We figured to take a train originating in Maynooth, which would assure that we would get a seat. That part of the planning worked well as the train got so full that it passed on the last 4 stops. Next we thought to go beyond the most popular stop to try and minimize the mixing with crowds and had hoped that picking a spot further down the parade route would allow us to get closer to the parade. The spot picked was in front of Trinity College.
Minimized the crowds at the train station, but ended up 5-6 deep at the parade route and waited 1.5 hours until the parade actually got to our location. Was able to extend my arm to its full length and got a few pictures even with Alex on my shoulders. Eventually, we decided that it was fruitless to stay on with most of us seeing nothing. We did enjoy the crowds and have several pictures throughout the day of different folks. Paper estimated the turnout for the parade at 650,000. Also paper reported that several US high school and college bands performed including one band whose instruments and uniforms were left in Copenhagen in an airport mixup. In addition, the openly gay NYC council leader who could not participate in the NYC parade as an openly gay person, was invited by Dublin council to participate in their parade, and did.
Off the parade route a couple of blocks we managed to find a place with seats to have lunch. Many of the pubs were packed as Ireland was playing a key game in the 6 Nations Rugby tournament against Italy and all pubs had it on the screen. Several of the roads around the Grafton street area had been blocked off to traffic, which made walking around a lot easier and safer.
Carrie had been warned to get "out of Dodge" after the parade as in years past the streets got pretty active as the night wore on. To this end, the liquor stores were not allowed to open until 4 pm.
By the way, I still have not found any corn beef and cabbage on any menu here and definitely no green beer on the 17th. After all the best beer here is already brown. And as the saying goes, "the Leprechaun made me do it", drink Guinness that is.
The next day we planned to go into a carnival as part of the weekend festival. The weather had turned colder and gale force winds were coming in from the north. Nan and I had taken Alex while Carrie and Flor toured an old jail. When we got off the train, the wind was so hard and cold that we didn't make it one block until we ducked into a coffee shop for warmth. The carnival area had been advertised as having something for all ages. All we could find was Ferris wheels and other "adult" rides, so we ducked into the Irish Natural Museum, which is one of 3 museums in the area and they are all free. We managed to stall long enough for the Moms to return and we headed for a pub and later a great dinner at Flor's favorite Indian restaurant. The 18th was not only Mother's Day in Ireland, but also our Sean's birthday.
I am contemplating a summary for this blog when I get home next week. We leave the 24th having helped obtain someone from the community to assist at the house. I will post some pictures of St. Pat's activities when I have first chance.
The Duke cousins, Jacob, Erin and Abby are do in town on Wednesday through Sunday morning and we are looking forward to them being here. They arrived via Britain and Wales on Sunday in Ireland via a ferry and are touring the southwest.
Hope everyone is in good health. We are looking forward with mixed emotions to our return to Traverse City.
Later!
Minimized the crowds at the train station, but ended up 5-6 deep at the parade route and waited 1.5 hours until the parade actually got to our location. Was able to extend my arm to its full length and got a few pictures even with Alex on my shoulders. Eventually, we decided that it was fruitless to stay on with most of us seeing nothing. We did enjoy the crowds and have several pictures throughout the day of different folks. Paper estimated the turnout for the parade at 650,000. Also paper reported that several US high school and college bands performed including one band whose instruments and uniforms were left in Copenhagen in an airport mixup. In addition, the openly gay NYC council leader who could not participate in the NYC parade as an openly gay person, was invited by Dublin council to participate in their parade, and did.
Off the parade route a couple of blocks we managed to find a place with seats to have lunch. Many of the pubs were packed as Ireland was playing a key game in the 6 Nations Rugby tournament against Italy and all pubs had it on the screen. Several of the roads around the Grafton street area had been blocked off to traffic, which made walking around a lot easier and safer.
Carrie had been warned to get "out of Dodge" after the parade as in years past the streets got pretty active as the night wore on. To this end, the liquor stores were not allowed to open until 4 pm.
By the way, I still have not found any corn beef and cabbage on any menu here and definitely no green beer on the 17th. After all the best beer here is already brown. And as the saying goes, "the Leprechaun made me do it", drink Guinness that is.
The next day we planned to go into a carnival as part of the weekend festival. The weather had turned colder and gale force winds were coming in from the north. Nan and I had taken Alex while Carrie and Flor toured an old jail. When we got off the train, the wind was so hard and cold that we didn't make it one block until we ducked into a coffee shop for warmth. The carnival area had been advertised as having something for all ages. All we could find was Ferris wheels and other "adult" rides, so we ducked into the Irish Natural Museum, which is one of 3 museums in the area and they are all free. We managed to stall long enough for the Moms to return and we headed for a pub and later a great dinner at Flor's favorite Indian restaurant. The 18th was not only Mother's Day in Ireland, but also our Sean's birthday.
I am contemplating a summary for this blog when I get home next week. We leave the 24th having helped obtain someone from the community to assist at the house. I will post some pictures of St. Pat's activities when I have first chance.
The Duke cousins, Jacob, Erin and Abby are do in town on Wednesday through Sunday morning and we are looking forward to them being here. They arrived via Britain and Wales on Sunday in Ireland via a ferry and are touring the southwest.
Hope everyone is in good health. We are looking forward with mixed emotions to our return to Traverse City.
Later!
Friday, March 9, 2007
Monday, March 5, 2007
Ring of Kerry & Dingle Peninsula
While Carrie, Flor and Alex were off to Barcelona for combination business and pleasure, we were able to do 5 days in the Southwest. The drive down held little excitement-seems we have seen much of the interior here. South of Killarney, our first stop was at the Muckross House and Gardens. Unfortunately it was closed for reworking, so we had lunch in their cafe, which was open along with their gift shop.
On to Kenmare, where the Ring of Kerry tour is to start. While traveling the road between Killarney and Kenmare we passed through Moll's Gap and Ladies View. We enjoyed Kenmare-small and quaint and obviously benefiting from tourism. We walked the town, visiting several shops and then drove some of the back roads. We are amazed at the places where they put the new homes-on small, narrow roads on hillsides with great views. "Holiday" homes are everywhere, especially near any water. Not too unlike TC and the Michigan coast. One big difference is that many developments are for investment by one person or business and homes are rented out 6-8 weeks a year. Some of these small communities are starting to object to being overrun by these developments which of course take up some of the better parcels of land and views. Dingle specifically had some sort of referendum to ban such within the town.
Our night was spent in a B&B at the end of a lane with a view of the Kenmare River. Owned by a young couple who had recently returned from a skiing venture in Switzerland.
We were off the next day along the north side of the Kenmare River. As is our norm, took several side trips to see water front spots. One in particular was Oysterbed Pier, which had a mansion at its edge with its own concrete dock. Another stop was at a ring fort, one of many around Ireland. Like the many rock walls, the fort was constructed of rock without any mortar. This one had a moat around it to protect it from attack.
One warning we did not have to adhere to was buses. During the summer, tour buses are abundant on the ring road, which much of the time is 1.5 car widths. The buses have the right of way, so cars have to find the best way out. We were advised to do the ring clockwise as the buses do the other and we wouldn't be held up behind them. Also we would be on the water side of the road for better viewing. Being off season, we did not see one bus.
One adventure we did not get to do was a trip to the Skellig islands, one of which had been inhabited by monks from 600 to 1100 AD. At 700 feet tall and 600 steps from water to plateau, it represents an amazing place. Boats do go in good weather and let one meander up the 600 steps, but oh gosh, they weren't running.
We did venture over one pass which locals claim to be the highest point in Ireland that you can drive a car. We spent the night in Portmaggie, another small touristy town. This night our view was of a shipping channel and Valentia Island, who's claim to fame is the point from where the first transatlantic communication cable was first started in the 1800's.
Next day we were off to Dingle, which is supposed to be the better of the drives and proved to be true. We stopped in Tralee for a town walk and tour of the Kerry Museum. Lent some background on how the area was developed and how people lived during its development.
Drove on to the town of Dingle, near the end of the peninsula, and on Dingle Bay. The B&B this night was right in town within walking distance of all the pubs and late night music. A larger fishing business here to accompany tourism. Friday night wasn't too busy, but Saturday was a blast. Turned out that a well known Gaelic footballer lives in the area and sponsors an annual tournament. We were driving the peninsula when it was going on, but night life was a bit more interesting with all the players on the streets and in the pubs.
Decided we didn't belong with the young crowd, so sought out with the help of a local, a pub with traditional music around the corner from our B&B. Not much of a crowd when we got there at 10, but by 11 it was packed. One group of dozen or so Irish men were from Cork-said to be getting reacquainted with their Irishness. A bit of Bush bashing went on when we were discovered. They love Clinton, "Dollar Bill", that is.(called that here because of all he now makes speaking).
The trip around the Dingle was definitely the most interesting drive we have been on. We had a lovely, sunny day, which not only rare, but a welcome sight. Made viewing some of the remote places a lot nicer not to mention driving on the narrow, winding roads a lot safer. Hard to describe all we saw, but when I get the pictures up, you will be able to see what I mean. Of course two of the must see places were the homes that Robert Mitchum stayed in while filming Ryan's Daughter and Nicole and Tom stayed in while filming Far and Away. Much "to do" around town, especially for Ryan's Daughter, which is credited for putting the town on the map.
Sunday, we decided we had done as much damage as we could and started back to Dublin via many more back roads. They even have "scenic coastal" roads identified, which though a bit tougher on the driver, much more interesting then the interior "highways".
We had been warned that the Irish language was primary in Dingle, but other then many signs in only Gaelic, speaking English was definitely not a problem. Learned fast on the roads what "slow down" was in Gaelic-"go mall". We actually ran into more Irish in a small town on the way home when we stopped for dinner.
We have extended our stay until March 24th to further help out with Alex. Business here is taking a lot of time for both Carrie and Flor. Future excursions will likely be close in. We now will be able to take in St. Patrick's Day festivities as well as a Marxist Festival conducted by the Socialist Workers in Dublin.
I've left out a lot of what we experienced these 5 days, but maybe the pictures will help fill in blanks.
Later!
On to Kenmare, where the Ring of Kerry tour is to start. While traveling the road between Killarney and Kenmare we passed through Moll's Gap and Ladies View. We enjoyed Kenmare-small and quaint and obviously benefiting from tourism. We walked the town, visiting several shops and then drove some of the back roads. We are amazed at the places where they put the new homes-on small, narrow roads on hillsides with great views. "Holiday" homes are everywhere, especially near any water. Not too unlike TC and the Michigan coast. One big difference is that many developments are for investment by one person or business and homes are rented out 6-8 weeks a year. Some of these small communities are starting to object to being overrun by these developments which of course take up some of the better parcels of land and views. Dingle specifically had some sort of referendum to ban such within the town.
Our night was spent in a B&B at the end of a lane with a view of the Kenmare River. Owned by a young couple who had recently returned from a skiing venture in Switzerland.
We were off the next day along the north side of the Kenmare River. As is our norm, took several side trips to see water front spots. One in particular was Oysterbed Pier, which had a mansion at its edge with its own concrete dock. Another stop was at a ring fort, one of many around Ireland. Like the many rock walls, the fort was constructed of rock without any mortar. This one had a moat around it to protect it from attack.
One warning we did not have to adhere to was buses. During the summer, tour buses are abundant on the ring road, which much of the time is 1.5 car widths. The buses have the right of way, so cars have to find the best way out. We were advised to do the ring clockwise as the buses do the other and we wouldn't be held up behind them. Also we would be on the water side of the road for better viewing. Being off season, we did not see one bus.
One adventure we did not get to do was a trip to the Skellig islands, one of which had been inhabited by monks from 600 to 1100 AD. At 700 feet tall and 600 steps from water to plateau, it represents an amazing place. Boats do go in good weather and let one meander up the 600 steps, but oh gosh, they weren't running.
We did venture over one pass which locals claim to be the highest point in Ireland that you can drive a car. We spent the night in Portmaggie, another small touristy town. This night our view was of a shipping channel and Valentia Island, who's claim to fame is the point from where the first transatlantic communication cable was first started in the 1800's.
Next day we were off to Dingle, which is supposed to be the better of the drives and proved to be true. We stopped in Tralee for a town walk and tour of the Kerry Museum. Lent some background on how the area was developed and how people lived during its development.
Drove on to the town of Dingle, near the end of the peninsula, and on Dingle Bay. The B&B this night was right in town within walking distance of all the pubs and late night music. A larger fishing business here to accompany tourism. Friday night wasn't too busy, but Saturday was a blast. Turned out that a well known Gaelic footballer lives in the area and sponsors an annual tournament. We were driving the peninsula when it was going on, but night life was a bit more interesting with all the players on the streets and in the pubs.
Decided we didn't belong with the young crowd, so sought out with the help of a local, a pub with traditional music around the corner from our B&B. Not much of a crowd when we got there at 10, but by 11 it was packed. One group of dozen or so Irish men were from Cork-said to be getting reacquainted with their Irishness. A bit of Bush bashing went on when we were discovered. They love Clinton, "Dollar Bill", that is.(called that here because of all he now makes speaking).
The trip around the Dingle was definitely the most interesting drive we have been on. We had a lovely, sunny day, which not only rare, but a welcome sight. Made viewing some of the remote places a lot nicer not to mention driving on the narrow, winding roads a lot safer. Hard to describe all we saw, but when I get the pictures up, you will be able to see what I mean. Of course two of the must see places were the homes that Robert Mitchum stayed in while filming Ryan's Daughter and Nicole and Tom stayed in while filming Far and Away. Much "to do" around town, especially for Ryan's Daughter, which is credited for putting the town on the map.
Sunday, we decided we had done as much damage as we could and started back to Dublin via many more back roads. They even have "scenic coastal" roads identified, which though a bit tougher on the driver, much more interesting then the interior "highways".
We had been warned that the Irish language was primary in Dingle, but other then many signs in only Gaelic, speaking English was definitely not a problem. Learned fast on the roads what "slow down" was in Gaelic-"go mall". We actually ran into more Irish in a small town on the way home when we stopped for dinner.
We have extended our stay until March 24th to further help out with Alex. Business here is taking a lot of time for both Carrie and Flor. Future excursions will likely be close in. We now will be able to take in St. Patrick's Day festivities as well as a Marxist Festival conducted by the Socialist Workers in Dublin.
I've left out a lot of what we experienced these 5 days, but maybe the pictures will help fill in blanks.
Later!
Monday, February 26, 2007
Update
Since we are off Wednesday for a 6 day run to the Southwest of Ireland, I thought I would give a brief update on what we have done past several days of note.
Jennifer and Sarah were here from Seattle and they kept quite busy travelling with the Carrie, et.al. on the weekend and doing there on thing in Dublin during the week. On Friday, the four of us went to the National Irish Stud Farm, which held no candle to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Nan and I did manage to find the mares and foals. Many had been born on Valentines Day, which was interesting. They were cute.
Sunday, Nan and I headed out to the coast beginning at Balbriggan and working our way towards Dublin. Was mostly a sunny day with only occasional clouds. We were able to wonder the coast most of the way. The towns furthest from Dublin were still quite quaint, but as we got nearer to Dublin, they became much more upper crust. One of the last places we stopped was Howth, which appears to be a pretty big fishing port. One of the restaurants had an article written about it when it opened and they referred to the town being a big Sunday lunch spot.
In every coastal town was a public beach/park area and many people were out in 50 degree weather walking the shore. We stopped at a castle on a hill overlooking the Irish Sea at Skerries. They had installed a huge playground area for kids and had miles of walking trails. Skerries also has an old mill that had water and windmill sources of power when it was operating. Corn, etc. was grown in the area and ground at this mill, which has now been restored. Many sights we visit like this all have tea rooms and craft shops. Was interesting to observe how many locals come to attend the tea rooms.
The "highlight" of the drive was to miss the turnoff north of Dublin to head home and end up driving right through the heart of Dublin. Once again, many frustrations at poor signage. Today I drove Flor to the airport and since it was early, the traffic heading into Dublin was fierce to say the least. I checked the Avis map I had and decided I could go back roads back to Maynooth. WRONG! Lack of good signage derailed me again. I ended up pointing the car West and finally got where I intended to go, but found Ireland's offices of EBay and Bristol Meyers along the way.
Hope all is well with everyone. Will update this with text and pictures when we return.
Later!
Jennifer and Sarah were here from Seattle and they kept quite busy travelling with the Carrie, et.al. on the weekend and doing there on thing in Dublin during the week. On Friday, the four of us went to the National Irish Stud Farm, which held no candle to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. Nan and I did manage to find the mares and foals. Many had been born on Valentines Day, which was interesting. They were cute.
Sunday, Nan and I headed out to the coast beginning at Balbriggan and working our way towards Dublin. Was mostly a sunny day with only occasional clouds. We were able to wonder the coast most of the way. The towns furthest from Dublin were still quite quaint, but as we got nearer to Dublin, they became much more upper crust. One of the last places we stopped was Howth, which appears to be a pretty big fishing port. One of the restaurants had an article written about it when it opened and they referred to the town being a big Sunday lunch spot.
In every coastal town was a public beach/park area and many people were out in 50 degree weather walking the shore. We stopped at a castle on a hill overlooking the Irish Sea at Skerries. They had installed a huge playground area for kids and had miles of walking trails. Skerries also has an old mill that had water and windmill sources of power when it was operating. Corn, etc. was grown in the area and ground at this mill, which has now been restored. Many sights we visit like this all have tea rooms and craft shops. Was interesting to observe how many locals come to attend the tea rooms.
The "highlight" of the drive was to miss the turnoff north of Dublin to head home and end up driving right through the heart of Dublin. Once again, many frustrations at poor signage. Today I drove Flor to the airport and since it was early, the traffic heading into Dublin was fierce to say the least. I checked the Avis map I had and decided I could go back roads back to Maynooth. WRONG! Lack of good signage derailed me again. I ended up pointing the car West and finally got where I intended to go, but found Ireland's offices of EBay and Bristol Meyers along the way.
Hope all is well with everyone. Will update this with text and pictures when we return.
Later!
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Plain White T's
Matt just told us that Tom, the leader of the band, is going to be on The Tonight Show on Monday night. Big deal for Matt, so he hopes everyone will tune in to watch. Will be backed up by a string quartet.
Later!
Later!
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