Dublin. March 18-20, 2016

Janie came to visit! Along with all of our London adventures, we  took a trip to Dublin. Was so fun to travel with Janie, basically a laugh a minute. Again, we took an early flight out to start our weekend trip, a quick hour flight and we landed in Dublin. 

You get cosy (s intended) on the RyanAir flights

After checking into our hotel, we headed out to find food. Stumbled upon this great pub, with amazing Fish and Chips. 

Our first stop was Guinness. The Guinness tour is ... well...a bit overwhelming in all honesty. It's like the Disney World of beer. So we played along...snapping photos, playing tourist and even pouring our own pints...the proper Guinness pour. And it was delicious. Probably the best Guinness I've ever had (even though I've only had maybe two in my life, this one included :)) 

Second stop was the Jameson Distillery. Now this was a proper tour. It was led by a tour guide giving all the family history, production and finally a tasting. Although none of us could finish our tastings, we all throughly enjoyed the tour. (And the Irish coffee) To end our day, we went to a great dinner at Green 19. (Recommendation of our cab driver to check out Camden Road vs Tourist Temple)

Sunday was the best day. It was gorgeous weather and we took full advantage. We grabbed a delicious breakfast at 3FE along a canal. We rented bikes and made our way around the city. 

Biker Gang

We went to St. Stephens Park and made our way to Phoenix Park. Both were gorgeous. The Irish were out in full force taking advantage of the weather. 

We wondered around the city making our way to the Dublin Castle, taking in street scenes...performers and garden beauty. Our Sunday was perfect, relaxed and rejuvenating. The weekend ended with another great dinner and a bit of sadness of Janie's trip coming to an end. Nonetheless, we enjoyed all the laughs and cherish the memories. 

My picture won the "Picture Off" 

 

Oh and side note, but something not to be missed about Janie's trip. While in London, we went to a Monet exhibit in which ALL of Monet's lily paintings were together. Words can't describe. It was breathtaking. (And did you know that one of the painting is housed in St. Louis...St. Louis...who knew?!) 

Janie...come back soon!!

Next up...the South of France. Merci! 

Hey y’all! Been a hot minute since my last entry, but summer finally hit London and we’re taking full advantage. So, I took my computer outside amoungst the black cabs, whizzing busses and SUNSHINE to inspire. (Currently sitting in Regent’s Place waiting to teach a Yoga class)

So we’ve been on a few trips … I’ll take a step back, way back. After our quick jaunt to Paris…we went to Ireland. Twice. Cork and Dublin in the same month. Who would’ve thought it?

Cork. March 18-20, 2016

Michael and I took a quick weekend trip to Cork. Michael had been years ago with his Dad and brother so he knew the ropes. We took an early flight out on Friday out of Stanstead. Our first experience with Stanstead Airport. And it was a madhouse. Literally. It was so early, Michael put his sunglasses on and walked through the airport to avoid any contact with all the Duty Free husslers. Nonetheless, a quick hour flight and we landed.

Cork is a really nice quaint town. Along a river, it has lovely bridges, churches, town center, etc. Taking advice from our NY Times 36 hour book (Best Christmas present ever.), we headed up to St. Anne’s Church, rang the bells…of course a Beatles tune, Here Comes the Sun and When the Saints Go Marching In. Grabbed a glass of wine and lunch in the town center. Along the way we found our people...

Top of St. Anne's 

The first afternoon, we found a local brewery (points to 36 hours book) and then stumbled upon a comedy show. The comedy show was hilarious and a great experience. Seriously it was…except it had been a really long day and I, well fell asleep. Several times.

Second day was our favorite day. We found this great cafe next to our hotel...it was my favorite. (I convinced Michael to go twice!) They seriously had the BEST breakfast. 

Irish Breakfast, complete with White and Black Pudding

We rented a car. Renting a car on a weekend in Ireland the day of in and of itself was an experience. And a standard car nonetheless. We were successful and started a trip to the coast, Michael driving on the other side of the car, on the other side of the road. Needless to say we hugged some curbs and those infamous Irish stonewalls. We traveled out to Ballycotton. Y’all. This place was GORGEOUS. Even on a cold, cloudy day. The cliffs. The lighthouse. The towns. Everything was beautiful. We hiked along the cliffs for about an hour, enjoying the sights and soaking it all in.  

Michael hiked down to the water...I did not. He's pointing to me at the top. ;)

Making our way back to town we stopped in a coastal port, Kinsale. Grabbed some Guinness at a local pub and headed back to Cork. A quiet Sunday night watching Rugby to end our weekend adventure. 

Rugby! 

Next up...Dublin! (It's almost like we have this connection to Ireland... ;))