Has a lazy morning yesterday, as I opted out of the optional excursion (as did about half of the group.) I think we all needed some time off, while this is truly a comfortable tour pace, always being on the go does get a wee bit tiring. We left the hotel at 11 yesterday to begin our anti-clockwise excursion of the famous and picturesque Ring of Kerry. Just prior to leaving it was raining (go figure) and I was concerned our day would be ruined, but by some stroke of luck the clouds parted and the blue colours we are so familar with from home and even the sun came out. I tell you when the sun does come out the landscape is truly remarkable! I have never seen so many shades and textures of green, ... read more

So, odd title I suppose but until you have experienced Ireland's washing facilities, dont be too quick to judge. First day in Dublin at The Jury's Hotel I turned on the taps got the right water temperature (lukewarm) and turned on the shower. Now I was running a bath and a shower simultaneously and was befuddled by thus. After fiddling with the knobs a bit, I chalked it up to lack of sleep and jet lag and soaked my feet while I washed thw upper half too. So next morning, same hotel, same thing. Bit confused but figured it was a glitch in their system. I mean how hard is it to run a shower? Alas, I discovered I lack in this ability as after the second hotel I still hadn't mastered this single water flow ... read more

Ah, gotta love the Libraries all around the world - they have internet. Sadly they have caught on to charging, but it beats (literally) standing in the hotel lobby blogging this morning at 07:00:-) Spent the day exploring the Northern Most Tip of Ireland as well as the walled city of Londonderry/Derry. Always say both cities names for fear of exciting someones personal references. I'm learning you must be careful on anything you say. This is a small country torn by their recent history, and whether you agree/disagree/don't know/don't care; the 'conflict' controls all motions of this area sadly. I've spent the day learnign more and more about it, and while since Good Friday they are on an improvement, there still is a lot of bitter history. The one consistant theme I'm hearing is everyone wants ... read more

So now in my 35th country officially (yaayyy!) Northern Ireland. Crossing the 'border' was rather anti-climatic as it usually is on this continent. However it did require me to get some Pounds as oppsed to Euro's making things seem just a wee bit more affordable. We had a wonderful morning in Dublin, the highlight was visiting Trinity College. Had someone told me last time I was here that it was an ancient library full of old, old, old books that reach up to the sky and has this wonderful musty library smell about it, I would have come in sooner. I thought it was all about the 'old book' and while seeing the Book of Kells was very cool, the library took my breath away. For those of you that know, one of my dreams is ... read more

So arrived safe and sound. Aside from the 9 year old who hurdled me all flight because *she* couldn't sleep I managed to get some sleep. Already met the Trafalgar Representative which is always comforting, a friendly face in a new land. My included transfer is not till 11:00 so having a coffee and thought I'd throw in a dash of blog! I'm hoping the hotel powers will have my room ready early as I'd love a nap prior to the "optional" Guinness tour. Right, like I would opt out of that? I hear beer tastes best here and the pub at the top has the best views of city! Studied my itinerary and cross referenced my Lonely Planet on the flight and holy smokes thus tour is going to be amazing! Leave it to me ... read more