September 2005: Trips to the States

We both visited the States this month, but each took a different trip. Brian went to Nashville to visit family and friends, while Erin went to New York City to visit her old friends. By all accounts both of us had a good trip

Slipping away from Dun Laoghaire

Well, it's September and we're considering a move away from Dun Laoghaire. We're looking for a place farther south, where we can hopefully find more space and a better quality of life. Though we like DL immensely, a few issues (including exorbitant rent) are driving us away.


Though to give you some idea, this is a typical view of Dun Laoghaire. 

A Sidenote: Types of Guests

On another note, at this point in the year, we've had so many guests we can categorize them into four basic types, keeping in mind that each type can be mild or severe.

1) Laid-back but independent. These people aren't obsessed with seeing every sight, but if necessary they can arrange cabs, tours, restaurant bookings, etc for themselves. Good kind of guest. They're often more interested in recharging and relaxing. Brian's Mom and Dad were this kind of guest. Easy enough.

2) Laid-back but dependent. They aren't obsessed with sightseeing, being happy enough to watch Irish television, but are basically incapable of getting anything done themselves. So when we come home from work they've been sitting on the couch all day and want to spend the evening in activity but want us to plan it, arrange transport, pay for it because they've failed to get euros, etc. Nuisance.

3) Intense but independent. These people want maximum value from their visit and have a well-formed strategy for the trip. These are easy enough to work with because they can be left behind with some coffee and a key and they'll do well. Erin's parents fall into this category. Often have some good insights into what they're seeing and experiencing so they make interesting houseguests.

4) Intense but dependent. Want everything with no effort on their part. Want us to plan the perfect trip, be their personal driver, Ideally would like to be carried through the woods on my back. Enough said. 8-(

So if you're reading this, and you plan a visit, think about which category you are, and if possible, warn us in advance! Seriously dyed-in-the-wool Types 2 and 4 can stay away.

Amsterdam

We took mom and dad to Amseterdam while they were here. Mom always wanted to go and we had a great time. It was an amazing city and Erin and I are looking forward to going back so we can see more of it.

One place I strongly recommend is the Rijksmuseum (http://www.rijksmuseum.nl/index.jsp). It's being renovated currently so the best pieces from their collections are on display in a managable and well-organized display that takes less than three hours to experience.

I think Brian's Dad just got out of one of the "coffee" houses - wouldn't you agree?

August 2005: Brian's Parents in Ireland

Mom and Dad came to Ireland for a visit. It's only the second time they've been overseas so it's a big deal for them. This photo was taken at the Sunday outdoor market near our home.

We also took them into the Wicklow mountains for some sightseeing. As you can see it was a beautiful day and a beautiful spot.

They also had a few special experiences, including visits to a few stately homes and a trip to Connemara.

The Connemara Cow

This cow was minding its own business when Brian nearly drove into it. In Brian's defense, he was dodging a car behind him while the cow veered in front of us.

But it was still pretty funny.

July 2005: Connemara

In July we took a long trip to Connemara, a sparsely populated region on the west coast of Ireland. It is stunning and we wish we could afford a holiday home there.

 

June 2005: Waterford with Steve and Jane

We drove Steve and Jane around the country during their visit. We wandered down to Carlow, Kilkenny, and finally to Waterford to see the home of Waterford Crystal.


This is a master carving designs into the side of a crystal bowl. 

Powerscourt

This is the view of the Powerscourt home and lake. All around the home are serveral types of gardens that you can walk around. You can also tour the home but there isn't much to see since most of it was burned down in an accidental fire in 1977 and the sections that have been restored are now mostly stores and cafes.

Powerscourt with Mom & Dad

Powerscourt is one of my favorite spots in the Dublin area. So when mom and dad came to visit we had to take them there. There are several gardens to walk around and see - all of them are breathtaking and make you feel like your backyard is just a pile of dirt.

Here you can see mom and dad walking around...from the looks on their faces they are really enjoying it, or mom is saying "my allergies are killing me but I can't let Erin know that."

Lincoln in London

Who knew we would find American history in England!

London for a Day

One of the great things about living in Ireland is the cheap airfares we can find. We found a round trip to London to be so cheap we flew there for the day! It was wondeful to walk around London and get a feel of the things we would like to do when we can come back and spend more time.

For those that remember National Lampoon's Vacation - Big Ben...Paraliment.

Brian the Guard

Don't mess with a member of the Queen's Guards!

Edinburgh in May

One of our favorite cities is Edinburgh. Brian had such a great time showing me around and taking me to all the pubs he drank at while living there...I mean libraries he studied in while living there. ;-D

This picture was taken of us at the Holyrood House which is the palace that the royal family stays in when they come to Edinbugh. We didn't get to see all the rooms but it was a great tour and they had a lovely garden.

Easter Weekend

We spent Easter at home but still managed to get out and about. We headed to Glendalough which is an ancient Irish Monastery. It sits between two lakes and we have gone back several times just to walk around and enjoy the scenery.




This is just one of the many pictures we have from this trip and I really like it beacuse of the daffodils that are in bloom.