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Unbelievable weather in Dublin again. Gorgeous sun, mild breezes and breathtaking scenery describe the day. We left Dublin early in the morning and drove through the Wicklow Mountains the largest national park in Ireland. I promptly feel asleep and missed probably one of Ireland’s great treasures. My apologies to an animated guide and the Irish Chamber of Commerce. Leaving the park we encounter more agriculture. Sheep, sheep and more sheep, dairy farming and hay farming. This is one of the richest farming areas of Ireland and the goal of every Irishman at one time was to marry a girl from the area. . This is also horse country and we were treated to a sighting of some special falabella miniature horses that are bred in this area. Because of their size they are hard to spot. Luckily we saw five. The potato famine was brought home to us when when were shown a famine house that a wealthy landowner gave to three peasant families. Because of this they were able to survive the starving time. Ireland lost roughly a third of its population to death and this was also the time of the great diaspora to the US and Canada. The Irish feel as strongly about the famine as Jews do the Holocaust. The English landowners did nothing to prevent so much suffering. On a happier note we visited Glendalough a former monastic site. Remains of the chapter house, a round tower and two beautiful lakes and sheep and more sheep and deer nosing backpacks completed that visit. There were about two hundred secondary school girls visiting the site. Brought back many memories. Teen age girls are universal creatures full of giggles and squeals. These uniformed beauties had no cell phones however. On to Kilkenny where we opted for a pub meal of Irish steak and roast with Yorkshire pudding and veggies. We loved the village and the medieval castle. But sometimes you just want to eat and people watch. Back to Dublin and tomorrow we head for Scotland. Another land, another currency and another culture.

Today’s adventure was Moher than expected. We drove out of Dublin into the Irish countryside which is dotted with sheep, dairy cattle, and picturesque farmhouses. The shades of green are absolutely boundless and the twisting country lanes can barely accommodate the tour bus. Everyone makes room for everyone. No worries seems to be the motto of drivers. No rude gestures or threatening weapons. The Cliffs of Moher rise above the Atlantic Ocean accepting all of the power the ocean has to give. Seabirds soar above and the occasional whale makes an appearance. Alas not today. The fossil covered pathway up to the cliffs is a history of life from ages and ages past. The cliffs are a part of the Wild Atlantic Way which we loved. On one side the ocean, on the other side more farms. Thatched roofs, lace curtains, dahlias, asters, rudbeckia, petunias, pansies and geraniums in their full glory decorate gardens and window boxes. Lunch in Galway was fresh oysters, slices of salmon, crab and smoked mackerel, and of course an Irish ale. This is one of the oldest cities in Ireland. Norman invaders taught these uncivilized Irish organization, trading, and civil responsibility. The Lynch family from the middle ages led the Irish into a changing word. Well done Normans and Mr. Lynch. We made our way back to the bus through musicians, artist, and visitors from all over the world happy to have seen a different side of Ireland.

After coffee and croissants, Troy and I crossed the Ha penny Bridge and make our way to the Dublin Castle which still serves as the site for state dinners, presidential inaugurals and anything of importance to Ireland or Dublin. A member of the Easter Rebellion was housed there until his injuries healed enough so that he could be executed. Expect he did not want many get well soon wishes. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited the castle and she complained that the throne provided her was too tall. Queen Elizabeth II visited during her Golden Jubilee and I am sure she was too gracious to complain about anything. Plaster work, wood work, carpets and paintings are gorgeous and say much about the craftsman of Ireland. A visit to St. Patrick’s finished up our day. The adjacent park was full of dog owners and students enjoying a warm sunny September day. The Cathedral a tribute to Christianity and the devotion of the Irish people. A children’s choir school is housed next door to the cathedral and they perform weekly for the public. Pretty cool to go to a school established over 600 years ago.

Left London and the delightful Hotel Z and set out for Dublin, Ireland.The taxi drive out of London took us along side St. James Park where ladies were riding well trained horses through the park and along Wimpole St. where the famous poetess Elizabeth Barrett once lived. The train trip through the English countryside and into Wales was beautiful. Lush green countryside dotted with sheep , cattle and horses was a change from city life. A uni student bought us a coffee and two ladies headed for a family reunion in Bangor were thoroughly entertaining by being understatedly witty. Farms gave way to mountains and the Irish Sea and we were in Wales ready to set sail for Dublin. The ferry ride took about 4 hours on a smooth sea. we snacked on sandwiches, drank Irish beer and people watched. Our taxi driver helped settle us into our apartment which is a very basic and has a mysterious system of switches that must be engaged to make the washer, shower and lights work. So far we have managed to wash our clothes, but have not figured out the shower. It ain’t easy in Ireland McGee. Our pantry is stocked with Irish bread, oranges, and wine. Survival items. Today we head to Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Church and an Irish Tea served on a bus. Details to follow.

Another wonderful fall day found us in a journey to the Salisbury Plain and on the the City of Bath. Like Chaucer’s famous pilgrim Alison, we traveled with a diverse group and each traveler had a story. Our first stop was the mysterious and majestic Stonehenge. The beauty of the carefully arranged stones and their mystery has kept scientist and scholars and psychics at bay for generations. Sheep, birds and fading summer wild flowers are not intimidated by these wonderful stones. The best part of the journey was wandering through traditional English villages that have been the heart of this wonderful country. We approached the yellow city of Bath about noon. The famous Abbey reached upward pulling us to the heart of the city. The Georgia buildings are made of a stone that give the area a soft painterly feeling. A Jane Austen convention willed the streets with ladies in Empire dresses, bonnets and the every present trainers. Buskers entertained us with violins and songs. Children and adults swayed to the melodies. Reminders of the ancient Romans were most evident in the spa where they and others afterward soothes their aches and pains of a difficult life. Life here is gentle. Always time for cuppa, a chat and thanks love and a smile. WE turned our back on Bath and returned to London. A little faster, not to comfortable, but wonderful just the same.

The day was bright and sunny bringing out the best of this beautiful and historical city. Troy and I began the day with a long walk down Buckingham Palace Road from our hotel in Belgravia to Buckingham Palace. People were excitedly gathering around the Palace gates to watch the tradition of the changing of the guard and to enjoy the traditions that the English do so well. We chose to spend most of the morning exploring St. James Park. The fall flowers were at their very best. Dahlias nearly six feet tall were the backdrop for asters, coleus, petunias, and roses, Ducks, Egyptian geese, and enormous storks filled the ponds while small mammals searched for food on the park grounds. Artists were painting and children were playing while other guest speaking many languages were enjoying what was once Henry VIII’s hunting grounds. WE were drawn to the sound of a military band and one of King Charles’ many bands entertained us with a lively performance. Troy said that would be the company to be in if you were in the army. The performers enjoyed themselves as much as the audience enjoyed the musicians. Recruiting tents lined part of the area offering young men and women the chance to explore British military life. Leaving the military behind, we hopped on the Toot Bus for a tour of the city. We drove around the Tower and the London Eye great engineering feats of the times. Lambeth Palace were Elizabeth I lived a lonely and neglected childhood still stands alone and neglected on the wrong side of the river. Fancy Mayfair and teeming Paddington reflect the wealth and working class of the city. We finished our day in a restaurant were a Hindu bride was celebrating with her mother, grandmother and aunties and friends. She managed them all as she surely will were household. As Samuel Johnson said and so to bed.

OUR FLIGHT FROM HOUSTON TO LONDON VIA ATLANTA WAS UNEVENTFUL. EVERYTHING WAS A BIT LATE, BUT WEATHER IS A MAJOR SHAPER OF FLIGHT PATTERNS AND WE LANDED SAFELY AND WERE MET BY OUR DRIVER. WE ARE STAYING IN OUR FAVORITE PART OF THIS WONDERFUL CITY NEAR THE PALACE, BEAUTIFUL PARKS AND FUN PUBS AND CAFES. THE HOTEL Z WHERE WE ARE STAYING IS A TINY PLACE WITH ROOMS ABOUT THE SIZE OF A JAIL CELL. TINY BUT COMFORTABLE. AFTER A LONG NAP, WE SET OUT FOR AN EVENING OF ALE AND CRICKET IN THE GREEN KING PUB. TOMORROW WE WILL BE TOURIST AND TOUR BUCKINGHAM PALACE AND THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD.

Our next great adventure is about to begin. We will be visiting England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland. Stay tuned for more post soon. Happy traveling.

This is the last day on board the Norwegian SUN. We had planned to spend it on a private island enjoying a beach, music and the tropical waves. Another stormy day cancelled those plans and instead we are bobbing around the Atlantic Ocean trying to stay as dry as possible. This has been a beautiful sail beginning in Seattle and ending in Florida. We have visited all of the Central American countries and another South American country. We revisited parts of Mexico that we both love and have plans to return to Mexico in the near future. Cruising gives us a snapshot of many beautiful places and gives us a chance to dream of returning to learn more.