Birr, ireland, first week

Birr, Ireland
I’m typing this in our cottage in Birr, Ireland. We have no internet access here but I’m hoping to get wi-fi access from a hotel in town to send this. Ken and the girls are playing cards in the next room. We’re in a lovely little, old cottage in the grounds of a castle which is still lived in by the same family who have had it for 14 generations. The grounds are extensive and open to the public. Ken has been for a long walk both mornings and Lucy and I went for a walk this morning (and a fairy hunt, according to Lucy this is perfect fairy territory).

So far Ireland is green, peaceful and a bit wet. A grey day yesterday but we went for a drive and found a castle that is now open as a hotel specializing in weddings. Had a drink in thee pub in the dungeon and then Kate, Lucy and I went exploring (Ken and Sarah behaved themselves and went back to the car). Lots of fun poking around where we probably shouldn’t be. No one was around and we looked in suites, dining room and a big lounge. Freaked the girls a bit creeping up stairs and into rooms.

Today we found a chiropractor for Ken. There are only 2 in the whole County but one is ten minutes walk away and he seems good. Lunch outside on the lawn which is very green and private.

Tomorrow we are going on a castle hunt and plan on having a medieval banquet at a castle (Kate is still keen on castles which is great).

Soeul continued…
Our second day in Seoul was busy for us all. Ken went to the demilitarized zone. Seemed to enjoy it but said it was “weird”. A long day with lots of bus swapping, passport checking and seeing soldiers.
The rest of us had a girls day out. Started with shopping which was great. Lots of crafty/touristy shops in the street by us - pretty bits and pieces. Girls bought presents for their friends and bitts for themselves.
Walked to the Palace we’d been heading to the day before. Didn’t take long which was just as well as Lucy really doesn’t like the heat. Arrived just in time for a very colourful changing of the guards ceremony. Then had iced tea Korean style (quite nice, not sweet) at the palace museum café then looked in the museum. Very well done with interesting displays from the royal family through history.
Had an English language tour of the Palace - which is very Asian of course and therefore different for the girls. Sarah and Kate found it interesting (and Lucy was happy as long as we were in the shade). Ended up sitting by a lake eating sandwiches with tourists stopping to take photos of the girls and especially of Lucy who they all seemed to think was very cute. Quite bizarre after awhile.
Then to the Folk Museum which we had to go past on our way out. Another great museum. Korean history and culture and a groovy children’s bit where both Kate and Lucy dressed up in Korean costumes for a photo. Lucy bought an umbrella so she was much happier on our walk back.

Back to the hotel, had some food then Ken arrived just as we were heading to the pool. A longish walk to find somewhere for dinner but to a completely different area, interesting - more modern and not at all touristy (ie not much English). Ended up in an American bar with huge meals, luckily we ordered 2 for the 3 girls.

Managed the flights to Ireland. We had 4 hours in Heathrow in between which was hardest as it was 1.30am for us by that time but we all managed ok. Very pleased to get to bed in the hotel at Dublin airport. I think I’ll rent Ken out for car packing as it seemed there was no possible way our luggage would go into the rental car we’d booked (changed by Ken from the larger one I’d booked!!). Amazingly he made it fit, and we were almost comfortable. Lucky we have no long drives.

Will head out now to fine wi-fi access.

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Part of trip: Europe 2009

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