Our flight was unenventful except for the 18 over par on my in flight golf game, which I improved to 15 over par by the second game. The story actually starts 2 hours before Jon and Ann arrive at our house. We go to get the passports, and no, they are not where they are supposed to be. Blanching and rocketing blood pressure simultaneously cause us to sit, pause and pray. The last time we used them we had returned from Bellingham Washington. That was last summer. Found the bag we used and in a small side pocket, in the envelope I keep to organize each trip...there they were. whew...
Arriving in Dublin we head for the greatly reduced price of our Europcar rental. They quietly mention that the rental does not include the required insurance and only a World Mastercard sufficiently meets their requirements. Else, 20 euros per day would also meet their demands. Jon and Ann had read there was an issue with insurance, I on the other hand had read my guaranteed price on the bottom of my orbitz contract. Needless to say, I'll be discussing this with my boys at orbitz.
They did upgrade us to a minivan, which turned ouit to be critical for our luggage and overall comfort, the Lord knows! Navigating the left handed stick shift was not the issue, nor the roundabouts, nor the relatively weak country map we had. What challenged me the most was the jet lag impact of driving 3 hours just after arriving in the morning. We were heading to County Cork and rather than go straight, we took a coastline, windy 3 hour detour to get a bite to eat by the water in the south of the island near Waterford. It was definitely time to stop for a coca cola and cholocate bar the second time I shifted into second by depressing the left turn signal instead of the shifter.
Weather was slightly cloudy around 55 degrees and became sunnier and warmer as the day wore on. After the classic bangers and mash, fish and chips, quiche and grilled cheese with a pint we headed straight for Cork. A bustling city with many one way streets. B and B directions to the Fernroyd House were very compicated, yet after 11 perfectly correct turns, we arrived, warmly greeted and knew we have made a correct choice...1 for 1 so far.
Arriving in Dublin we head for the greatly reduced price of our Europcar rental. They quietly mention that the rental does not include the required insurance and only a World Mastercard sufficiently meets their requirements. Else, 20 euros per day would also meet their demands. Jon and Ann had read there was an issue with insurance, I on the other hand had read my guaranteed price on the bottom of my orbitz contract. Needless to say, I'll be discussing this with my boys at orbitz.
They did upgrade us to a minivan, which turned ouit to be critical for our luggage and overall comfort, the Lord knows! Navigating the left handed stick shift was not the issue, nor the roundabouts, nor the relatively weak country map we had. What challenged me the most was the jet lag impact of driving 3 hours just after arriving in the morning. We were heading to County Cork and rather than go straight, we took a coastline, windy 3 hour detour to get a bite to eat by the water in the south of the island near Waterford. It was definitely time to stop for a coca cola and cholocate bar the second time I shifted into second by depressing the left turn signal instead of the shifter.
Weather was slightly cloudy around 55 degrees and became sunnier and warmer as the day wore on. After the classic bangers and mash, fish and chips, quiche and grilled cheese with a pint we headed straight for Cork. A bustling city with many one way streets. B and B directions to the Fernroyd House were very compicated, yet after 11 perfectly correct turns, we arrived, warmly greeted and knew we have made a correct choice...1 for 1 so far.
A short rest from 5 to 7pm then out for dinner at an organic burger joint, and on to a pub with traditional music. We lasted through the first set of 3 songs and then walked back and crashed.
They have wifi, but we can't get the password to work yet on Jon's computer. Ann has a global phone but we didn't have the international code for the US and at 11:30 at night, felt we should simply wait until this morning.
They have wifi, but we can't get the password to work yet on Jon's computer. Ann has a global phone but we didn't have the international code for the US and at 11:30 at night, felt we should simply wait until this morning.
So here I sit at 7 am, not feeling jet lagged, and hoping this internet cafe time will get me the info I need, and will help me touch base with my credit card company so they know the strange Ireland charges are mine and not some identity thiever's.
If you are following, pictures will start arriving when we link Jon's laptop to the b and b internet. Until then, enjoy the heat!
G$ and company,
ReplyDeleteGlad you are alive and in Ireland! It's great to hear the beginning of your tale. Looing forward to more photos. Be sure to get some of yourself too.
I almost died when jetlagged and driving in Ireland. But that was a lifetime ago.
Are you going to Kinsale? Ther used to be great restaurants there. Don't forget to have a Murphy's.
No heat here. 80s and lovely.
Jim
Had lunch with Kevin on Sunday. Quite a lovely lad.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see you made it to the favorite in my show of hands. Jet lag has always wiped me out when heading east - especially when there's so much activity.
ReplyDeleteDo tell. How does Fernroyd House match the mental expectations set forth by a web page?
Dave