IRELAND 2010

What an ADVENTURE. My dad was supposed to go with mom to Ireland for a political invite, but of course, he felt obligated to stay and teach. Ang decided to go and I didn't think anything of it until I got thinking how I miss my mom. People kept asking why I wasn't going. Of course, I didn't want or feel like I could leave my family for that long. Well, a friend asked why I didn't go for Part of the time. That got me thinking- and four days before leave date, I was booked for Ireland as was my grandma... The adventure began with a LONG flight, as we finally got to Ireland it was already Monday and did we stop to sleep? Never. My GRANDMA was the most energetic. We got right on the train and headed for what? Dublin's SHOPPING. Thirty hours later, Ang and I were about to fall over. We headed back for a few hours of sleep. After four hours of rest, we were up and at it again for we had much to see in a short period of time...

Just some highlights (since I am back days early from the rest these are just a few)

But the castles are AMAZING. Much history, which I love European history. Much of the Irish culture has to do with religion (Catholics versus Protestants) and Land. Just like most places. this Castle was just along the western coast of Ireland on our twelve hour drive.

A small fishing village- people love to fish and Salmon is very popular. Yummmy. However, we didn't eat much at all. We didn't sleep or eat much- I guess that is a good thing. So I can't really tell you how the food was. Ang got a little irritated with this:)

I loved this picture- The Europeans are relatively fit. They don't drive much.

On our drives, Ang picked up this Irish flute- which drove us NUTS> especially our fabulous driver, Derek (of all names)

this is the "Cliffs of Moyer" which is a huge tourist attraction and a great world wonder. Very windy and cold. But gorgeous.

Our Gent, Derek, got very done with taking pictures of us. Can you tell? Luckily I am short.

Chad wasn't all that interested in going to Ireland until he heard how popular golf is there. Look at this golf course, I guess the Irish Cup is a big deal as is golf.

So many cemetaries that are beautiful and always by the churches.

finally a meal- we stopped at a pub- and got a little pizza.

Gorgeous country side with much farming land and cows, sheep. Below is a glimpse at the intricate trade of making clothing out of the wool, which was such laborious work. I had no idea.How would you like to get up and do this EVERY day for many hours? Tough work.

This gent has to use his feet back and forth along with his arm for the machine to move one spool of yarn-

The neatest thing about the whole trip is being with women whom I admire and love- I really missed spending qualtiy time iwth them, which I got to do on this trip, and will be forever grateful for the opportunity to bond with them even more. Life is so busy for everyone, especially my mom. So I thank her for taking me. Also, being away for a few days helped me realize how blessed I am for my own family- how much I love being a mom and wife.

Luckily the men weren't with us. I have to say we shopped and shopped and shopped. Dublin had the friendliest people. Ireland in general did. People are more laid back and very polite. The men treated us like queens always taking our bags and opening doors. I was impressed with how much they enjoyed the simplicity of their lives.

The economy is struggling in Europe just like everywhere else. So many people would dress up like statues and hope for money. Pretty cool. But yes, there were many empty buidlings.

My grandma is amazing. She had more energy than any of us.

Okay, so I love this picture with all of us, but just know I left my nursing baby behind and funny story: my breast pump blew out with the voltage being too high. Smoke came out of the outlet and Ang said I was her least favorite roomate.

Well, waht an adventure. Seemed like I was gone more than four days, since we packed so much in. Thanks for the memories and bonding time to these women. I LOVE Europe and hope Chad will come next time. Now back for a little time before school starts...