Slainte!

"If you feel us speed up, it just means that we've missed the runway and we'll have to circle around for a second shot." This is what we were told by the captain on our Ryan air flight, as our plane was landing in thick fog at Cork City Airport on Thursday afternoon.

Shortly after the success of the pilot, we had our own challenge to face as we left the airport for our B+B in central Cork. With Mike behind the wheel, driving standard on the opposite side of the road, in rush hour traffic and rain, we once again managed to arrive safely. We left the B+B that night at the precise moment when the skies opened up and the wind blew a gale. Desperately trying to escape the rain and tame our wild umbrellas, we scurried to shelter. My belly laughing refused to cease until hours later when we were cold and wet, but even then, we found ourselves drying our clothes under the bathroom hand dryers. After dinner, drinks and several different bands, we eventually made our way back to the B+B. Between the honesty of the pilot, the down pouring rain, and the excitement of being in Ireland, together they brewed up a hilarious start to what proved to be an amazing vacation.

We left Cork early Friday morning and headed north to Blarney- but not before eating a huge B+B breakfast. We found our way to Blarney quite easily and by this time the rain had let up. As we bought our tickets to the Castle, we were instructed that the normal route up the hill had been diverted due to flooding. As we made our way up the detour, the comedy of the rapid running streams and the submerged bridges was revealed. However, due to the rainy weather and our off season timing, we were fortunate to tour through an empty Blarney Castle, passing only one other tourist along the way. Of course, we didn't leave Blarney until our mission was complete and we both successfully kissed the Blarney Stone. With a big Irish man holding our arms, one a time, Mike and I leaned upside down off the castle edge to embrace the "Gift of Gab." A enchanted legend that Mike was certain I didn't need...

After Blarney, we drove North towards Limerick, stopping in a tiny rural town off the beaten path called Quin. A town composed of a pub and monastary ruin, Mike enjoyed the quintessential Irish lunch with a Lamb Stew and a pint of Guinness (I too, had the Guinness). We continued north through Limerick and ended our day of traveling in Galway. Finding a vacant room in a B+B close to the city center, we parked our car, left our bags and ventured through the streets of Galway. Galway was great. It had the lively, small city feeling that Mike and I had been hoping for. We listened to music, talked with strangers, and luckily had much better weather than the night before!!

The next morning, we drove West through Connemara along the coast through small fishing villages. The scenery was incredible as we passed miles and miles of green grass and stone walls. After our scenic morning route, and slight fear of running out of petrol, we headed East across the country to Dublin.

Arriving around four, we said good bye to our Blue Nissan compact and went in search of our final accommodation. We spent two nights in Dublin, listening to Trad music and experiencing the Irish culture. We met up with my friend from high school one night and took full advantage of the Temple Bar area and the Traditional Music Fest that was taking place throughout Dublin. During our days we visited the Guinness Brewery and drank Guinness straight from the source, we also checked out Christ Church Cathedral, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Jail, Trinity College and simply wandeded the streets of Dublin.

It started snowing in Dublin on Sunday night into Monday morning - this was just the beginning of the out of the ordinary wintry weather which was hitting the UK. The biggest storm in 18 years and Mike and I were scheduled to fly. Although our flight was severely delayed, and we spent close to six hours aboard the aircraft on the runway, watching sweepers attempting to plow, we eventually made it home.

The trip went by quick, but we had an absolutely amazing time!! We saw a lot and laughed a lot and our vacation proved to be everything we hoped it would be! Even the 13 hour journey home couldn't put a damper on it. We now look forward to planning our next trip and scouting out our future adventures. Thanks for following our stories and we'll be in touch soon. Slainte!!

Ireland - Here We Come!

Life in London is still treating us very well! Fortunate to have many friends from home already living in London, our adjustment to this new city has been quite easy. Instantly part of a group, Mike and I have managed to meet many "friends of friends" and never struggle to find weekend plans. Still searching for a job in Marketing, I've continued working with the horses in Hyde Park to feed my passion and make some extra money. Although the job market is a bit tough right now, I remain optimistic about the future months and am quite content with my current situation! Mike's job is going well. After being on call for the past week, he woke happy and relieved this morning (it will be another five weeks before the 24hour week long responsibility will return).

Beyond work and play, Mike and I have been successful tourists in this city, taking advantage of the many outlets London has to offer. From a train ride to the Cotwalds with my parents, to exploring the different Boroughs that make up London, to going to the theater and museums and internationally known attractions - I don't feel that we have wasted a second in our stint abroad. In some ways, it's hard to imagine that we have only been here for two months, as our list of new experiences is quite lengthy.

We will be taking our first trip in less than two weeks across the UK to Ireland. Flying into Cork and out of Dublin, we will rent a car and travel between the two. A place that Mike and I have both wanted to visit for a very long time, we couldn't be more excited to finally experience a piece of true Irish culture!! We will return from Ireland on the 2nd of February and will be sure to post some pictures and share our stories.

Stay warm to those of you in New England! We hope all is well to everyone, wherever you may be. Cheers!! (PS - I've added a few more pictures below....)

Our New Year's Eve Adventure

After spending a week with my parents, gorging ourselves on good food and family fun, we finally had to say good bye on Monday. It was GREAT to see them and they obviously enjoyed themselves tremendously. Even more, their New Years Eve celebration was certainly one they will never forget. The night started off in my parents' fashion by going to a nice restaurant and enjoying a leisurely dinner. It wasn't 'til the clock struck eleven that the night took a different course.

Dressed for warmth, we ventured out into the streets of downtown London, to join the mobs of drunken people herding their way towards the London Eye. After almost an hour of walking amongst broken bottles, excited teenagers and screaming celebrators, we reached our end point. With a flask of brandy for them and a couple cans of beer for us, Mike and I and my parents brought in the new year while watching the famous London fireworks overhead.

Shortly thereafter, my parents hopped to safety in a cab and made an escape back to the hotel. Mike and I continued the adventure, roaming the streets and hitting up our local Islington pubs until closing. New Years Eve 2008 proved to be more fun than any of us would have expected and big props to my parents for being such troopers!! Happy 2009!!

Away from home for the holidays...

Despite being miles away from all our friends and family, Mike and I managed to have a great Christmas celebration!! True to form, we ate and drank ourselves full, in a fairly cyclical fashion, through the entirety of the four day weekend. After Mike left work early on Christmas Eve day, we enjoyed some celebratory Christmas pints at a couple local Islington pubs. Watching last minute crazed shoppers, scurry in for a quick drink before heading back to the streets, proved to be wonderfully entertaining. The people at the bars slowly dwindled as Christmas Eve day approached its actual eve and Mike and I headed back to our flat for our Swedish Christmas Smorgasbord.

After far too much salmon, cheese, meatballs and more, we headed to the balcony to get some fresh air and aid our digestion. What was supposed to be a quick breath of air, turned into a mini celebration with music and a spectacular view of the city (if you stood on the bench and looked over the roof.) Our drinking and eating adventure that began that afternoon, carried through to the wee hours of the night.

The next morning we set out on a four hour long walk, all over the city, to experience the peacefulness (and emptiness) of London on Christmas. Stopping in Hyde Park, we discovered one of the most traveled parts of downtown London to be practically deserted. After our legs were tired and our bodies were cold, we found ourselves back in Islington drinking cocktails and preparing our Christmas feast.

On Boxing Day we went to Hampstead to check out Heath Park. Located just minutes outside the city, the skyline of downtown London could easily be seen over the grassy hills of Hampstead. The whole day was cold but sunny, and overall, absolutely wonderful! Saturday we went to Windsor Castle, which was elegantly stunning and far bigger than either of us expected. To cap off, what appeared to be an endless weekend, on Sunday night we watched the Pats game. Like true Americans, we had a table spread of Buffalo wings, pizza, and garlic bread, and we sat back with our feet up, feeling not too far from home.

Well, I am heading out shortly to go meet my parents, who arrived in London about an hour ago. I am fairly certain with them here on holiday, our lifestyle of over-indulgence is destined to continue for at least one more week....

And so it begins...

It's been just over a month since we arrived in London and began settling in to our new city- creating new routines, adjusting to the sounds of British accents and UK hustle and bustle, and adapting to a new urban experience overall. After spending the first month in corporate housing, where we were spoiled with maid services and flat screen TV's, we moved into our new, more permanent apartment last Monday.

Our new place is quaint and cozy, if cozy means tiny, and yet truly wonderful. Situated in a neighborhood called Islington, and just two blocks from the closest Tube station, the location is ideal. Despite the intricate feeling of the new flat, the large and private outdoor roof deck balcony more than makes up for the close knit insides. Overlooking very typical London townhouses, the fourth floor outdoor seating will be unbeatable in the nicer weather. There are pubs and restaurants all around us and we intend to try them all......

Currently working part time as a horse back riding tour guide/instructor in Hyde Park, I have heaps of time to check out museums, people watch at cafes and learn my way around London! Mike's job is going well and only a short commute on the Tube from our new home. We are both looking forward to him having a couple days off for Xmas and New Years celebrations!!

My parents, got to love 'em, booked their plane tickets to come visit less than one week after we left home. Just three days after Christmas, Mike and I will have our first visitors. Although excited for our own Christmas celebration together, it will be nice to have family here, too!

So all in all, life is good!! We've been seeing new things, drinking new beers and in general, taking advantage of our new life in London!

We wish you all the best for the holidays (eat, drink and be merry!) and please be in touch.

Cheers!