Final Comments with Helpful Hints

Now that we’ve landed back in the US we have time to reflect on our time in Ireland.  We thought we would give you helpful hints in case we have inspired you to travel to that beautiful land or maybe we’ve scared you to death and you may never leave the US.  DO TRAVEL.  People are amazing all over the world.  When God said he loved the World I believe he wants us to go out into it and love it in His Name.

Opps, I’m now writing this at home.  Hallelujah!!  The wi-fi got disconnected when I had to move to our gate.  It is so nice to be on W I D E streets again.  I only yelled twice when I thought Rod was on the wrong side of the road coming home J

Suzan and Rita’s Hints:

1.    Bus, train, car or walk.  Rita thinks driving was fun.  She was NOT driving.  I think walking is the safest way to go or maybe the bus. Public transportation and Tour busses sound better and better.
 

2.    GPS vs. Map.  It makes no difference since there are no street signs.  We talked to others who drove and they said the exact same thing.  Most were lost to the point that they thought they would have to call in the search helicopters.
 

3.    YES, get insurance if you are driving.  You will need it!!  Perhaps practicing driving on the left side of the street will help you before you leave if don't confuse yourself here.

4.    Remember that One Euro is worth $1.35 (at this writing) so if something is 5 euro it’s really costing you $6.75.  Eating out is not cheap.  Petrol is sold by the liter.  Once we figured out the cost conversion it comes out to approx. $8.00 a gallon, so quit complaining about our high gas prices

5.    When someone tells you it’s “a wee way down the road”, add another 1 hour to your drive time.

6.    Do stay and Bed and Breakfasts.  You will meet the sweetest people and have the best food and conversation that will keep you going all day or you may meet the Bickers who were a scream as they bickered in the kitchen and were all smiles when they talked with us.

7.    God still sends guardian angels.  Just ask anyone who drives through the back roads.

8.    Do drink the milk and eat the butter and ice cream.  It will be the best you’ve ever had.

9.  Do learn to love tea.  It will be served at every meal.  If you are coffee lover then you are going to the wrong country.......instant Nescafe - YUK!

10.  Don’t eat at McDonalds or Burger King, but always have an Irish Breakfast.

11.  Always choose a “joint” to eat in.  "Pub Grub" is the best and the surroundings & people are great.

12.  Take a good friend with you to enjoy each day and pray you will still be friends when you get home.  Also, it would be good if that friend could read a map.  Plus a little green friend can be fun and will always make people smile when they see him in the oddest places.



13.  Take lots and lots of pictures so you can enjoy your time in Ireland over and over.

Irish Cows.  I think Irish Cows have it over California Cows.  They seem to have endless supply of green lush grass, they don't have to worry about earthquakes and have lots of sheep friends, They give the sweetest milk for drinking, butter, ice cream and don't have to worry about their weight.  And when you drive past an Irish dairy there is NO smell,  I'm convinced that the farmers give them a bath each day and wipe their bottoms with  Charmin.

Just a few little pictures to end this blog.  Then it's your turn to go somewhere you've always wanted to go and bring back memories.

Street singers in Galway - they had a crowd gathered round.

Two Irish Gentleman that were more Rita's speed

A sweet little country church overlooking the Atlantic

Some of the little gems you see along the side streets while you are lost.

A rose in bloom at Kilkenny Castle

One of the dozens of doors I took pictures of all painted in different colors along the old streets of Dublin

WANT TO SEE MORE - VISIT RITA.  She has a book full and stories for each one.  Thanks for following our blog.  We enjoyed sharing each day with you.