GRATITUDE

GRATITUDE

I recently recognized that I do a lot of thinking in the shower. There have been many times in which I start a conversation with, "it dawned on me while I was in the shower....." Almost always it's a "problem solving" thing, usually dealing with work. Well, this week's shower-thinking it occurred to me that this shower feels so good: great water pressure, floor tiles gleaming white and the water can get HOT, the way I like it.

As we are physically and mentally switching our gears to a life of travel, it crossed my mind that there will be things that I will miss. Maybe even miss a lot: my pillows, our sharp kitchen knives, easy wi-fi, a pantry filled with staples, good speakers..... I wonder if I would miss wearing suits, putting on nylons, being a "boss"?  Right now I can't imagine missing any of that!

And the saddest part of all of this "thinking" is the  knowledge of the precipice of our journey.... it will likely be the loss of our dearest friend Carlos; hard to imagine how much the family will miss that fellow. (take break from blog, cry.... practice?)

For the record, Carlos presently is one of the happiest & healthiest 13 year old dogs... here we are, dressed as twins:

 

www.passportsandpostcards.com

the Warmth of Ireland

the Warmth of Ireland

For a country that has had decades of tumultuous uprisings, wars and outdated standards (divorce was legalized only 12-15 years ago), coupled with weather that even this Portland-Oregon-veteran considers cold for the month of May (the three weeks we've been here it has probably hit a high of 56 degrees) it is truly amazing how the Irish will welcome us with genuine warmth, inclusion and graceful hospitality. 

Our rental car has broken down twice... and the extent people have gone to in order to help is humbling. Proprietors of any business are quick to greet, help and check-in to make sure you know which way you're going. We have found ourselves more than a few times having "another round" because leaving would just seem so impolite in the midst of such great conversations.

In this light, I offer these images:

The Full Irish

The Full Irish

Ireland has been on our radar since the mid 1980's when we had the opportunity to backpack Europe. On that trip we operated on a very low budget and would often skip meals and settle for a loaf of bread instead.

We had encountered travelers working their way from Ireland, down the European Continent as we were heading up the Continent; every time the breakfast meal was of mention. The stories of "the full Irish" breakfast were becoming legendary in my mind. We could almost always count on the breakfast meal - even in the hostels. They were nothing to write home about: cornflakes, with milk from a box, white bread and maybe instant coffee. Hey, at least there was breakfast... I'm a BIG breakfast person.

Admittedly, fast forward 25 years and one of the reasons I still wanted to go to Ireland was to experience The Full Irish . . .  and I have not been disappointed!

Woody is "braving" the Blood Pudding in this shot

This B&B had options far beyond the Full Irish....

....and we both opted for the smoked salmon scramble - DEEELISH

Protein, Protein, Protein and  Protein~!

Increased Confidence Driving on Left side of Road with Manual Transmission

Kilkenny to Kenmare

I am having fun now with the car. . . TWO things increased my confidence: 1) I know I won't land in "REVERSE" when aiming for 1st gear; and 2) I FOUND reverse - Woody doesn't have to PUSH me out of the parking stall.... Roundabouts are a breeze if they are one or two lanes. Three or more lanes are still a bit challenging.  Ever grateful that my fellow drivers are not angry, anxious, or annoyed by a lapse in lane judgment.

Rock of Cashel

Rock of Cashel

Feeling Holy @ Rock of Cashel

BAA, RAM, EWE:

Smithwick's Brewery: The secret is in the WATER. Naturally filtered by the ample limestone. Purchased by Guinness (who is buying so many distributers one alcoholic beverage at a time) and thus will soon be closed. This brewery closure will result in 50+ lost jobs and be hurtful to the Kilkenny economy.

Black & White Photography with a Color-Capable Camera

Is Grey a Color?

I've had the chance to download my photos "as we go" on this trip and have realized it almost appears I've been using black & white film. Yes, Ireland has grey skies this time of year, and grey statues and grey gravel roads.... but take a look.... aren't these images reminiscent of old black and white photography? 

Guinness Brewery - next to a church

O'Connell Street Monument

In Dublin's fair city...where girls are so pretty

I first lay my eyes on sweet Molly Malone

 floor of Dublin Archeology Museum

Abbey beer recipe - slainte~!

Guest House vs Gael

"Living" Quarters in Kilmainham Gael, Dublin

10'x12' and you can stand up 

Our Room at Hazelbrook House, Dublin

10'x10 you can stand up near the entry/door

In most seriousness, there is no comparison to the treatment, meals and general comfort of our room - it was a very hospitable guesthouse and caring hosts. The "guests" of Kilmainham had straw for a bed and 10 people to a room was not uncommon.

Dublin Pubs

I think Dublin could be a sister city of our Portland, with a pub on every corner and one between corners.... each has a personality of its own. The big difference: the beer selection is far fewer. They covet their Guinness. In addition you could choose Smithwicks, Carlsberg, Heineken, and one American "crap" beer such as Bud or Coors - and believe it or not, the publicans actually drink that stuff! Our guess is there is some "cool factor" unknown to us, but probably due to the big advertising dollar.

Need to figure a way to incorporate photo journaling into the website, but in the meantime will just get 'er done this way: