Dublin to Milan to Zurich long weekend, part Deux. Observations: language barriers persist (see Milan blog!, si!) You know it's bad when I (n) have to assist Italian tourist checking into our Swiss hotel with my unique combo. of Italio-Germanic grunts. Was just getting better at it upon departure. We did get our cheese fondue along with a warning to avoid cold water as 'hard balls causing blockage might form' - have a nice flight! Zurich is quiet, clean, the richest city in Europe (oddly Dublin more pricey these days, ug), artsy (in a tidy sort of way) and super efficient. Not a lot of smiling going on though. Apply more chocolate!... read more

Happy Hallowe'en or Celtic New Year! Weather: A nagging, cold “Northeasterly” remains with us all week - familiar to New Englanders. It is the coldest weather in IRE in 40 years; record snow in the UK, brrr... People do not seem to wear jeans, fleece (unless it's the real stuff) or rubber shoes—all leather. Mood: Cold, dark, wet, lonely, and burning through way too many Euro.s makes us more than pine for the happy CA sunshine. We actually start the scheme for an early exit - Spring? San Mateo? Quitters? Weenies?? Perhaps this is typical mover's remorse coupled with arriving during a holiday week. Monday was a “Bank Holiday” (like Labor Day) and most schools are closed for the week and people are away --probably seeking warmth!- plus business hours slashed all over the place with ... read more