Ireland the Green: Part 1

I think that I should at least comment on the fact I spent the last 2.5 weeks on a different continent.  Things are going to get so busy here soon, that I am afraid you will never hear all the tales of Ireland.  But here is an attempt at a start...

I flew via Dubai.  I had never been to Dubai before.  I was graciously picked up by my world traveling friend John Everington, whom, if Dubai is "Asia/Middle East", I have officially spent time with on 3 continents.

John is not just cool, he is so cool that he came and collected me at 1 am and took me around Dubai.  Our adventures included seeing the world's tallest building, having hot chocolate at 2:30 in the morning in the 2nd nicest hotel in Dubai... walking along a pier into the ocean where million dollar yachts were parked, right next to the amazing 7 star hotel which is one of Dubai's main attractions.

Pictures in the next post...

I arrived in Dublin to be met by my very good and dear friend Orla...and the FREEZING cold.  It was unbarable.  My body totally freaked out.

We spent the next 4 hours getting me set up (or trying) for Irish life.  We were unable to find clothing which usable (the irish sense of fashion leaves something to be desired!), but I did get a sim card and those sort of things to get life moving.  

Stopping into my old home, we had a joyful reunion, and several other visits before finally getting me to my first (of 5) residence.   I dropped my stuff, and went to dinner across the street at the Lynches... and got to spend the whole evening visiting with various members of their delightful family.

I headed home about 10 pm... I accidentally fell asleep because I was SO exhausted. I hadn't slept at all in over 30 hours.   The next thing I knew, Katharina was calling me saying she was at the bus stop.  Ethna, the older woman I was staying with, and I hurried out of the house estate to find her.  It was AMAZING to see one of my close friends, after 5 years! 

We, of course, talked until 2 am... it had been WAY too long not to!  It was so wonderful and special to be staying with my dear friend... she's am awesome person! 

More on all this later....