Kilmainham Gaol and Jameson

Thank you, Danielle, for recommending Kilmainham Gaol.     We had a fantastic guide.     She was very much a part of this time in Ireland’s history in her soul.     This gaol (jail) was used from the 1780’s to the 1920’s and was a place of suffering and despair.   After the failed Easter Rising, the rebel leaders were incarcerated here, joining a long list of Nationalists.     More than a dozen men were killed by firing squad, including James Connolly.    The blood of these martyrs made this gaol hallowed ground to the Republic of Ireland.      I would highly recommend this tour to all adults visiting Dublin.

My pictures will depict the older and newer sections.    

We found a beautiful pub for lunch.     Food was okay, but the beautiful (and very well  preserved) wood was incredible.    The ceilings were even well preserved.     We were told that all parts of the pub were old, nothing made to appear old.     The back of the bar was from an old apothecary, the staircase from an old church, etc.       This location has been used in several movies.     The staircase where I am posed was an intregal  part of the movie Educating Rita.     He mentioned several other movies, but memory fails me, again!    The pub was called Nancy Hands.      I forgot to ask about the name.        That’s a lot of references to a failing memory, hmmmmmm

Okay, Google came through for me and here is the information:

This great name was synonymous with the public house era in Dublin towards the end of the 18^th century.  The interior features an authentic Victorian bar and original staircase from Trinity College, trodden by Michael Caine featured in the film “Educating Rita”

Yesterday we toured the Jameson Distillary.       I think I am maxed out on these types of tours, and we haven’t even gotten to Scotland yet!        The highlight was when RJ was chosen as one of eight official tasters at the end of the tour.     These individuals were given samples of American whiskey, Scotch and Jameson.      They were educated on the distinctive characteristics of each along with a tasting followed by a test.        RJ passed with flying colors and has his name on an official printed plaque which can be framed with pride when we again have a home.      For now it is safely packed away in a packing tube supplied by Jameson.     What can I say, he’s a man of many talents!

As hard as it is to believe, we skipped lunch, but did return to the Porterhouse Brewing company for prawns and fishcakes.      (and their own Hop Head Pale Ale and Porterhouse Red Ale).       Live music was great, again.      Love it…….

Getting To Know You

We have been walking around and getting familiar with our new neighborhood.      It is very convenient for many things.    We are only a block away from Dublin Castle.    Christ Church is a couple blocks away.       The Temple Bar Square is a few blocks away.    (Did you know that Bar in Ireland means “walk by the water”)     We've found grocery stores, bakeries and lots of helpful friendly people.

Thursday we decided to walk to the Guinness Brewery.       It was set up to accommodate a ton of tourists with no personal interaction as you followed the arrows.     I did enjoy the lesson on pouring a Guinness.  You definitely need the “two minute wait” before topping it off.      I also now know how to drink “under the foam”.     

This handcarved – very tall – wooded sculpture depicts the distinct line between your Guinness and the foam.

We decided to have our free pint on the top floor which is a circular area with incredible views of all of Dublin.    It was hazy out, so my pictures didn’t turn out great, but it was a pleasant place to sit for a while.

Friday we took the train to a seaside town called Howth.      I’d read about it (somewhere) so we decided to check it out.    WOW!     We loved it.    It is a very active fishing community with many great restaurant menus to choose from.       I posted our restaurant choice on FB.     

A couple of items caught my eye:

We did quite a bit of walking around along the piers and the yacht club (every seaside place has one, right?)   Mostly, we looked at the big fishing boats.

We met a couple of gentlemen when we were walking and talked for a while about the economic repercussions of the US banking problems and their ripple effect into Ireland  (okay, RJ did the talking, I just smiled and nodded).      These men are either very very friendly, or one of them is the mayor of this town.      I didn’t ask.      They asked where we had been so far and gave recommendations on what we needed to see.    (all free stuff - they were selling the town not stuff)

A bit later we were walking along the docks where the big fishing boats are moared.     It was quite a ways down to the water, but we were able to clearly see a jellyfish swimming.    Beautiful light red coloring.     This is the first time I wished I had my main camera and bigger lens.     I took some photos anyway.       

 A lady came down to the pier while we were watching and I started talking with her.     She grew up here (and still lives here)   and said that the jellyfish were starting to move out into the open water for the winter.      As a child she swam with them all the time and admits she got bitten a few times.

She said that last year Howth got enough snow (one time) to literally shut down the town for a few days.    (a lot of the town is built into the hills)      Dublin offered to send them a snowplow since they didn’t have one, but residents declined the offer.        Winters are usually fairly mild, but she still chooses to visit her daughters in Arizona for a couple months to enjoy the warmer winter weather.

This photo is for Cheryl - yes, they do have an RV park in Howth.

Back in Dublin, we walked to the Temple Bar Square for dinner.      What a fun area (maybe because it is Friday night)     There were musicians playing on street corners and in almost all the pubs.      Lots of people and families enjoying the music.     We especially loved the music in one Pub.  What fun!     The two young men playing and singing were great and really had the entire crowd energized.     The ages seemed to range from 30-50 (except for us seniors who were the only  apparent  tourists)    Everyone was singing along and cheering and having a great time.    Not rowdy, just happy to be Irish.    I would have joined in, but I had never heard these songs before so I just stood back and enjoyed!   

  

There were also a group of 30 something aged men joining in the celebration (of what, I’m not sure).      They were all wearing kilts.    Each a different plaid.         It definitely added to the atmosphere.        This was all happening at 7 pm,   I have no idea what the place is like later in the evening…………

Our Dublin Apartment

We are settled into our apartment.     I was pleasantly surprised how nice this place is.     Very well decorated with a red leather sofa,  two side chairs, gas fireplace, full kitchen with stainless steel appliances, fantastic rain forest shower head   (this I really like) plus a queen size bed.     So far we have had only double beds or twins as our  options.      All light fixtures are a modern unique piece.     We also have a very small balcony off the living area with a table and two chairs.       I am set !!!

The kitchen is stocked with spices, coffee, tea, fresh fruit and granola bars.    Even a small blooming plant.     I am impressed !

I am having a bit of trouble with the washing machine.      Our hosts explained how it worked and left the users manual.     No problem.     Put in my first load, set the preferences and walla, it works.      And works.      And works.      It doesn’t finish for 13 hours.      It went thru the cycles 3 times.      Unfortunately, it stays locked shut until it totally finishes.     Those clothes are finally hung to dry and I start load two.      I’m extra careful and change a couple of the settings.      Wrong move – this one took  25 hours.       At least it gave the first load plenty of time to dry.       

I’m a little nervous about trying again, we only have five days left in Dublin…………………

A Walk Through Bristol

We spent Tuesday walking the streets of the Clifton Village area of Bristol.       The legs are starting to tire a bit, so we took the bus over (and back).     We still walked substantially thru the streets.     There are beautiful homes, buildings, fountains, etc.

I was curious about this sign in a vacant shop window.     Do you think they want to preserve the few flies in the area???

I’ve found the food to be good – just see my FB posts of lunch nearly every day!     I am surprised, though, by a couple things.      The British love bacon.    Bacon is included in a vast array of sandwiches, as well as just plain old bacon sandwiches.       Another surprise  -   Heinz Baked Beans.        They show up on most breakfast menus.      Why ?

The world famous Clifton Suspension Bridge was designed by the great Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, although he never lived to see his creation finished in the year 1864.

Work actually began in 1831, but the project was dogged with political and financial difficulties and by 1843, with only the towers completed, the project was abandoned.      Brunel died at age 53 in 1859 but the Clifton Suspension Bridge was completed as his memorial.        Designed in the early 19^th century for light horse drawn traffic, it still meets the demands of the 21^st century commuter with 12,000 vehicles crossing it every day.

We were able to walk across (and  back).     Unfortunately, this bridge also has a reputation as a suicide bridge.      They have taken several steps to try and deter people.    I hope they are successful .

My final picture is of the main train station in Bristol.    What a beautiful old building.

Tomorrow we will leave very early for our flight to Dublin.       Let the journey continue…… 

A Time For Family

We spent the weekend in Cheltenham visiting our grandchildren (and of course their parents).     It was so nice learning about their town and schools.      What a nice shopping area.    Unlike the U.S., they still have nearly all shopping in the downtown area along with many restaurants and parks.     I really like this feeling of community togetherness.

Our hotel is in the city centre – unfortunately the cottage we had rented was cancelled at the last minute, but the hotel worked out fine.    Here’s the view from our room.

We spent Saturday morning in the Cotswold region at an open market.     Sorry, no pictures since I was busy talking with the kids as we strolled around.    I did buy some plums that we had as a delicious snack later in the day.     Also ate a variety of items, (Scottish eggs, cheeses, pastries) as they appealed to me (and everyone else!)    There was no need for lunch after eating our way through the markets!

On Sunday we went to Sudeley Castle.    It has played an important role in the turbulent and changing times of England's past, with royal connections that stretch back over 1000 years.     Today it is a family home and popular visitor attraction.

Inside, the castle contains many fascinating treasures from ancient Roman times to the present day. The majority of the castle is the private residence of the owners and wasn't open to visitors.    Outside the castle is surrounded by award-winning gardens and a breathtaking 1,200 acre estate - all in the heart of the Cotswolds.    These gardens had gone into disarray, but the current owners have done a wonderful job of restoring them.    (I found them much more beautiful than the botanic gardens at Oxford U)

Sudeley Castle is also the only private castle in England to have a queen buried within its grounds - Katherine Parr, the last of Henry VIII's six wives.    We visited the beautiful 15th Century church where she lies entombed.

It's time to say goodbye to family, at least until the end of November.

Rolling with the Punches

The best laid plans go awry – just an opportunity to discover another great place.     

   

Checking my e-mail this a.m. I find that the cottage we had rented in Cheltenham sent us a last minute cancellation.       Rather than waste time, I just booked a hotel.     Not as interesting, but……..    

I had planned this part of our journey to include a tour of the gardens at Wisley.     They had been highly recommended and were having a flower show this week.      As I am checking out the train schedule, I find it is really hard to get there from our hotel.       Four train changes over 3 hours plus a 7 mile cab ride at the end.     Each way!      RJ even offered to rent a car for the day, but that turned into a logistical nightmare, too.      Time to devise Plan B……….

There are botanical gardens at Oxford University, plus it would be a fascinating place to visit.     Off to the train station – where the entrance is closed and fire trucks abound.       We had been here long enough to know the route to the bridge and back to the other side of the train station.     And, we are off…..

The Oxford gardens are nice, although my favorite area was an indoor water garden with the largest lily pads I have ever seen.      I eavesdropped on a guided tour and learned that these huge pads are incredibly strong.      She would even set her bucket on them when cleaning the water structure.        We were able to see two small pads just starting to open as well as a rare flower.      This is the first flower they have had this year and it only blooms for two days.     We were all advised to consider ourselves very fortunate to see this.

These four large pads and the center flower are all from one plant.

 I really liked this drain - not your ordinary cement drain

This plant had a jewel like flower - very unusual

The Oxford campus is very large and so historical.     I have never been a history buff, but it is amazing to hear the history and actually see the locations they are talking about.       I don’t know how many colleges are under the umbrella of Oxford University, but there were many.        

I don't know that I absorbed additional knowledge for having been to Oxford University, but I will admit it is an impressive place.

Touring London

RJ and I spent our day touring the Tower of London.     There is so much to see here, starting with the Crown Jewels.     So many beautiful jewels that, unfortunately, rarely get worn.     For those of you who have been here – top this:    No wait---we walked right in.     I love traveling after kids go back to school!

I loved the White Building with its collections from the Royal Armories.     I never thought I was interested in suits of armour and weaponry, but it was very interesting.    So much so that I didn’t pay attention to the fact that we kept going up stairs.    We got to the fourth floor and guess what, the only way down is a spiral staircase with no stopping points.     For most people this is no problem, but for someone who is as vertically challenged as I am when it comes to going down stairs, HELP!

Everyone behind me was very patient and I have to admit, I did quite good (for me)    RJ even commented later that he was amazed how well I did.     The key is one step at a time and never ever look down (or ahead)

 We decided to try the train system again – I just had to visit Harrod’s.        We got off a stop (or two) early and walked it – a lot of walking since we went the wrong way and had to backtrack.  We  eventually arrived at the fabled store.     Unfortunately I was too tired to walk the entire store (RJ said thank goodness)      We did make it to jewelry, shoes, handbags, women’s clothing, kids clothing, kids toys, housewares, electronics, modern furniture, food (yummy apple muffin) and Christmas, though.      For those of you planning your Christmas décor, they are showing (exclusively) white and gold with red accents.    If I had a home, etc. that would work perfectly for me!

London - At Last

We have arrived in London.    It was an easy trip since we were flying business.    I’m not used to eating a five-course meal at midnight, but I did enjoy it.    We did quite well with our train changes to get to the hotel .       The train system has to get easier, doesn't it?

Unfortunately, five minutes after checking in, the manager came to our door with a very somber face.    He had received a call from St Mary’s Hospital that my sister had been admitted.   They gave him absolutely no other information.       (This is the same hospital where Prince George was born)     She was just ending her first solo European business trip and did not have an international phone.    I quickly called the hospital, no record of her.      I tried again in 20 minutes to have someone tell me they had her name, date of birth and address in file, but no information so she must not be there.      I retaliated with – how did you get all that information if she wasn’t there.      At one point I went so far as to enquire what the record would show if she was deceased.     He assured me that would show on the record, but that there was no record.

I decided to check e-mail,  and thank goodness there was a message from a good Samaritan to say she was okay, but was being treated for a broken finger.   Whew, not good but much better than where my mind was going!    To make this long story shorter, my Sister is fine.     She’s heavily bandaged and will need surgery when she gets home.     If you look carefully you can see her full hand bandage.

Her lesson from all this:    Never go on the up escalator with a pull luggage and a carry on.