NJMar

I'm back home. I've been home for 2 days and finally able to function enough to make a to do list and start unpacking. Finishing this blog is top on my 'to do' list. If this last post doesn't get out today, it never will. I did start it at some point so here's what I got... The night we left Belfast I couldn't sleep trying to decide what to do in Dublin. One last night spent with Rick to make a plan for the next day and half.. We made it to Dublin from Belfast with only a quick rest stop along the way. Don was in his element here and gave us the grand tour of Dublin. He's very proud of this city. We went to Phoenix Park for a drive by of the ... read more

When I told my friends that I would be traveling to Ireland, I got similar comments, "Ireland is green, greener and greenest. The people are friendly, friendlier, and friendliest people they have ever met." I must agree that their observations are extremely accurate. The scenery is stunning, and the people are kind, helpful and, yes, very friendly. I believe there is another trait. The places we have visited so far are tidy, tidier, and tidiest. There are not any wrappers, empty bottles, cigarette butts, or bits of trash on the streets or roads. When we made this observation to our driver he informed us that each town enters the 'tidiest town' contest. People take such pride in their towns and their reward is to be named 'The Tidiest Town.' Last year Abbeyleix in County Lapis won ... read more

This part of the trip is all about the beauty of Ireland's southwest coast. Yesterday we spent a sunny and mostly warm day exploring the Ring of Kerry. The day started out with a cool mist covering everything but gradually that lifted We were on and off the bus for 8 hours. The Ring is a 135 mikes long peninsula jutting out from Killarney. It is surrounded by beaches, mountains and lakes. We drove along the beaches and through the mountains of the MacGullicuddy Reeks. We made some stops just to enjoy the views, and take pictures of course, and other stops to walk around small tourist towns, shop in the small stores, (Sneem for one) along the way, and take more pictures! And one to walk on and along the beach in Waterville, collected shells ... read more

We took an Uber to the Gere Lyon train station in Paris to catch an 11:15 train to Nice. It was, of course, delayed. When it was finally called, there was a crowded mad dash to get to the track and into the train. The trip should have been 5+ hours but it was over 7. At one point there was a long delay because another train had hit an animal on the track??.At first we kept busy with sleeping and doing things on our tablets or phones but it dragged on. The highlight was the great picnic lunch we had brought along. And the French countryside was pretty. When we got closer to our destination the views of the beautiful blue water of the French Riviera helped. We arrived in Nice and eventually got the ... read more

We've been busy these past 2 days in Paris taking the metro, ubering and of course walking a lot. We've had delicious meals and snacks and a few drinks. Paris is a beautiful city, with very crowded streets and roads. People we've met, especially asked questions of, were very friendly. Cafes seem always busy and people are sitting in them taking their time and enjoying. Terry and I had a plan for our time. While we wanted to relax and take it slow, the draw of things that Rick Steves said we should see, was strong. We had museum reservations each morning. On Wednesday it was the Orsay where we had a date with Rick and the Impressionists. It was beautiful...just seeing the highlights we spent a couple of hours with Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh. ... read more